Louisville’s Phantom Family Halo return with Monoliths and These Flowers Never Die, a sophomore double-album that is surprisingly both sprawling and focused, an exemplary effort of what is possible when retro-rock sensibilities are distilled through modern musical techniques. Unlike their debut, The Legend of Black Six, the new double album sports a cohesive, unified sound, thanks mostly to the myriad of excellent vocal styles displayed by lead singer Dominic Cipolla (also a member of Sapat and Dead Child). Whether on guitar-heavy rock anthems, more experimental Krautrock-esque numbers, or the occasional twisted pop tune, Cipolla’s voice always more-than-fits; it could be said that his vocals are the quintessential ingredient in what makes Phantom Family Halo perhaps the most unique band not only in Louisville at present, but in the larger world of music as well. Halo plays Wednesday, Nov. 25 at Lisa’s Oak St. Lounge (1004 E. Oak St., 637-9315).
This article appears in November 25, 2009.