AWOLNATION – spearheaded by Aaron Bruno – unveiled their latest album, The Phantom Five today. This anticipated full-length project, which Bruno suggests could be the final chapter for AWOLNATION, consists of ten tracks that may serve as a culmination of their musical journey.
The album, produced in partnership with a range of collaborators, features previously released singles such as “Panoramic View,” “Jump Sit Stand March” featuring Emily Armstrong, and “I Am Happy” with Del The Funky Homosapien. Adding to the excitement, the music video for “Barbarian” is also available for viewing today.
Aaron, in discussing the album, shared that the album was crafted with an awareness that it might be AWOLNATION’s swan song. This notion spurred a deeply introspective and ambitious approach to the album, pushing him to infuse each track with significant personal and artistic stakes. He commented on the creative process stating that this project could potentially mark the end of the AWOLNATION era, propelling him to pour his entirety into the music. “I wrote this album with the intention that it could possibly be the final AWOLNATION album,” Bruno continues. “I wanted the challenge and inspiration of that idea. I’m not sure if it will actually be the last album, but I wanted to create that narrative to push myself with it and put everything I have into these songs.”
The song “Barbarian” stands out not just musically but also visually, with its music video shot in the same iconic location as Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game,” though with a playful twist on the concept. Bruno’s approach was to celebrate the song’s themes while acknowledging the impossibility of recreating the magic of Isaak’s piece. The song itself, inspired by Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, metaphorically narrates Bruno’s transition from AWOLNATION to potentially new creative ventures, echoing the transformative experience of a man turning into a bug.
The Phantom Five is described as an anthology of various musical impulses Bruno has mastered over the years, wrapping them into a cohesive collection that traverses a spectrum of emotional and sonic landscapes. The album touches on navigating complex times, exploring themes of happiness, frustration, and the pursuit of authenticity.
Today’s release offers AWOLNATION at a possibly final juncture in their career, offering fans a comprehensive look at their musical evolution and the personal growth of Aaron Bruno as an artist. As AWOLNATION potentially closes this chapter, this album stands as a significant showcase to their impactful presence in the music industry.
