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United

by Phoenix

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"Heatwave," the funk-flavored track on the 1999 compilation Source Rocks, suggested Phoenix were another product of the French-filtered disco wave. However, United is suffused with breezy, retro-flavored rock numbers. Keyboard player and guitarist Branco was in Darlin--the indie act that spawned Daft Punk--but if they went one way, he surely went the other. United is reminiscent of West Coast American FM pop rock, with nods to everyone from Crosby Stills Nash & Young to "Jump"-era Van Halen. The thrilling "Too Young" and swooning "On Fire" are rattling good pop songs that fall on the right side of affectionate pastiche. "Summertime" is an enthusiastic power pop thrash, "Embuscade" a Steely Dan-styled jazz rock instrumental, and "Summerdays" a carefree country-tinged trip to the beach. Refreshing, intelligent and successful French rock--now that is a first. --Mike Pattenden