Toronto foursome Phantom Sugar have a knack for marrying dark and uncomfortable themes with bright, punchy indie soundtracks. Their latest offering, “FADEAWAY”, is no exception: a ballad which not only concerns the pain of heartbreak but also the fear that memories of happier times will disappear forever.
Musically, it’s a wonderfully cosy bit of psychedelia. A gentle, rhythmic organ and crystalline guitar licks work in tandem to evoke the same wistful romanticism that made Teen Dream-era Beach House such an irresistible listen.
However, what truly elevates “FADEAWAY” is an extraordinary vocal performance from frontman Stevie Zita. Every line is delivered with such raw, sincere emotion, whether it’s the tangible devastation at losing his love in the verses (“Love isn’t love if it ain’t with you“, he mourns), or the more complex feelings in the soaring chorus as he internally battles with hope and doubt.
As a flutter of strings brings the track to a close, there’s an irony in the fact that “FADEAWAY” is going to linger in the memory for a long time. It would come as no shock if we were still talking about this as one of the strongest and most memorable indie ballads of the year by the time December arrives.
Written by Matt Ward
