Literary motifs transitioning into music and their impact on personal transformations can be observed both in the past and the present. Composers of all ages draw inspiration from literary works, turning them into powerful musical interpretations that touch both social and personal aspects of life. Many writers explore themes of control, suppression of freedom, mind manipulation, and transformation. I dare to assume that such themes in literature inspired Aaron Bruno, known under the pseudonym AWOLNATION, to create his full-length album “The Phantom Five.” The album consists of ten tracks, and according to Bruno, he created it with the thought that this might be the last AWOLNATION album.
Photo by @awolnation
While working on the album, Bruno clearly wanted to push himself to new heights, and it seems he succeeded. “The Phantom Five” opens with the single “Jump Sit Stand March” – an explosive start to the album, where the raspy voice of guest Emily Armstrong from Dead Sara creates perfect harmony with Bruno’s melodies. The combination of their voices can be compared to a blend of hot chocolate with a pinch of chili pepper -unexpected, but it works. A music video was previously made for this single, serving as the perfect complement to the song, creating a cohesive image. The energy of the melodies in “Jump Sit Stand March” is continued by “Party People” – its overwhelming rock drive is exhilarating, while “Panoramic View,” which follows, calms and sways with slow melodies and Mars’s soulful vocals, creating an atmosphere of contemplation. It’s like a deep breath after a long run, allowing you to rest and fully enjoy the music.
AWOLNATION masterfully changes rhythms and moods, so after the calm of “Panoramic View” comes the daring “I Am Happy” featuring Del the Funky Homosapien. Its explosive energy will make you jump out of your seat. Ups and downs, sharp turns – everything is in this album.
Then the track “Barbarian” allows you to catch your breath and enjoy the calm atmosphere. A music video accompanies the track, which, according to Aaron Bruno, was inspired by Chris Isaak’s iconic “Wicked Game.” However, as he ironically notes, the connection to “Wicked Game” is almost imperceptible – neither in style nor in mood. Yet the video turned out to be amusing and sarcastic, and shooting in the same location adds a special piquancy. “The Phantom Five” captivates with its multi-layered nature; after one track ends, you eagerly anticipate the next. Smooth, velvety melodies give way to more energetic, harsh ones.
Photo by @awolnation
So, when the last guitar chords of “Barbarian” were replaced by the fiery rhythm of “Bang Your Head,” I was ready for such changes. The surprising combination of rhythmic and calm tones in the album is compelling. Aaron Bruno conceived this album and poured everything into it, as if it were his last chance to express himself. In “City of Nowhere,” he plays with moods, filling the track with a playful motif. But in “A Letter To No One” and “When I Was Young,” I noticed notes of nostalgia, which convey the warmth of memories and smoothly transition to the final track “Outta Here.”
It is the true culmination of the album, an exclamation point set with a flourish. Bruno plays on the edge, balancing between melancholy and explosive energy, reaching his peak. There is something of rock-and-roll mischief mixed with philosophical contemplation in it. On the one hand, “Outta Here” is the perfect conclusion. But on the other hand, it contains so much untapped potential, so many emotions that are just beginning to ignite.
“The Phantom Five” turned out to be powerful and memorable. And here I sit and wonder: is this really the end? Or maybe it’s just a new turn, a new phase? After all, even the loudest farewells are not always final. Even if this is the last chord from AWOLNATION, this album will remain in the hearts of fans as the embodiment of incredible creativity and passion. So yes, let’s postpone the farewell tears for later and hope that this is not the end, but merely a precursor to new musical horizons for AWOLNATION. The album is available on all platforms.
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