Phantom Planet
Friday, September 10th 2004
Lexington, Ky
Reviewed by Courtney Conn
Pictures by Val Ratliff

If you don't know Phantom Planet's material, you should go out right now and buy all their CDs, because it's completely incredible music. I headed to Lexington expecting to hear good music and see a respectable performance, however, I was blown away.
The opening band from Sweden, Sahara Hot Nights, was decent, although they looked like they bought all their clothes at the Salvation Army. I should think an all-chick band might have better style. Other than the wardrobe, they had some catchy stuff, and reminded me of other girl bands like The Donna's and the like.
Phantom Planet went on around 9pm, and played about an hour and a half set. I especially liked how the front man came out first, then the rest of the band strategically ran in at just the right moment. Their rendition of "California" was impressive and I for one liked it better than the original version. I also loved the combination of "Anthem" and "The Galleria," it showed off Alex Greenwald's amazing vocal talents. Their stage presence was sensational, and I found it rather entertaining when guitarist Darren Robinson booty danced on some people in the front row. Overall, the band came off energetic and enthused to be doing something they love. Sometimes a band doesn't sound nearly as good live as on their cd, but Phantom Planet is the exception, and sounded absolutely phenomenal live. Everyone should get out and catch them in concert sometime soon.