Phantom Handshakes - Be Estranged
New York dream-pop outfit Phantom Handshakes released their debut EP, Be Estranged,” July 31, a collection of seven-tracks of cashmere, ethereal shoegaze/dream-pop.
Phantom Handshakes
According to their Facebook page, “Phantom Handshakes is a lo-fi, dream pop collaboration between Federica Tassano and Matt Sklar.” All the songs on the EP were written, recorded, and mixed by Matt and Federica in Brooklyn and Manhattan, with mastering by Carl Saff of Saff Mastering, Chicago.
Comprising seven-tracks, Be Estranged begins with “Stop Shrinking,” opening on sparkling, jangly guitars riding a low-slung rhythm provided by a rounded rolling bassline and light, crisp drums. I love the glistening, chiming tones on the bridges. Federica’s velvety, dreamy voice infuses the lyrics with foam-covered textures.
“Stop shrinking to fit in / Illusions can make you sick / Stop pleasing people around / They want you as you can’t be.”
The highlight of Be Estranged is Federica’s scrumptiously diaphanous voice, delicate yet hypnotically intoxicating and richly opulent.
Highlights on the EP include “Stubborn,” probably the best track on the album, but others may argue the point with good reason. The track starts off with a tasty drum shuffle flowing into bright, buttery washes of synths attended by a deliciously extended bassline, propelling the music along at a delightfully smooth gallop.
“At Rest” glistens and glimmers on soft jangly guitars topped by Federica’s wraithlike voice, tantalizing and wispy with pure crystalline timbres. “Aisha (Versus the Dirty Tongues) features a driving, throbbing rhythm accented by glossy sparkles of color from the guitar. More resonant on this track than those previous, Federica’s voice glides on indulgent hues.
“Open Sore” travels on slightly darker guitars backed by oozing synths rippling on supple pigmentation as Federica’s sumptuous tones slide forth on silky liquid surfaces.
The highlight of Be Estranged is Federica’s scrumptiously diaphanous voice, delicate yet hypnotically intoxicating and richly opulent.
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