Phoenix
Ti Amo

For their sixth studio release, the French band Phoenix opts for yet another change of direction.

Following two albums like the amazing "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix" and the still good "Bankrupt!", their return after four years since the last studio work materializes with this "Ti Amo," already an unashamed homage to a concept of Italian-ness almost on the verge of extinction, starting from the eloquent title.

An unequivocal press release from the band led by Tomas Mars explains the spark behind the new work: "a homage to our Latin and European roots, a fantastical version of Italy." And the sound of the work adapts to the conceptual basis of the album, a synth-pop where guitars are increasingly less present (a process already started with the last two albums) while a sound built on circular arrangements takes the lead, a slight update of the stone thrown into the pond by Daft Punk with the fundamental "Random Access Memories."

Placed at the beginning, the first two singles "J-Boy" (a pleasantly bouncing synth-pop) and the title track (more aggressive and sensual, as well as unabashedly danceable) introduce a work where a sweet and infinitely classy pop dominates, with improbable Italian titles (the languid "Fior Di Latte," the more lively "Tuttifrutti," and the even bolder "Via Veneto" and "Telefono") and an endless elegance in recreating a sound that now lives like an echo in the memories of those who truly lived those years. As if the music of those "roaring years" had been chewed up and spit out by the Black Lodge of Twin Peaks.

Notably, the classic promotional single "Goodbye Soleil," paired with a splendid video shot in Cattolica, and the more epic "Role Model," which closely resembles certain post-Coldplay bands like OneRepublic. "Fleur De Lys" entertains and takes the time to cite Fela Kuti, while "Lovelife" is a good compromise between the old and new Phoenix sound.

This "Ti Amo" is a decent work, charming and elusive, which enriches the discography of the French band with another piece of great class.

Best track: Role Model