Philly-based alt-rock outfit PHNTMS releases their brand-new single, “Paper Flowers,” a track about devotion, hanging on when times get tough and pushing through the tempests in romance.
Made up of Alyssa Gambino, Adam Jessamine, and Mikal Smith, PHNTMS’ sound straddles arena rock and ‘60s soul, and is inspired by commonplace circumstances, relationships, and growing up.
Alyssa Gambino explains, “I think as songwriters, we try to capture these moments and make them as detailed as possible. We’ll always be fascinated by the fact we can freeze these moments…”
The lead singer and the band support the LGBTQA+ community, while simultaneously fostering a large fan base encompassing all communities.
“Paper Flowers” follows on the heels of the band’s previous singles, 2019’s “Foreign Places” and “Hotel,” and 2020’s “Back Burner.” From PHNTMS’ forthcoming EP, Back Burner, slated to drop later this year, “Paper Flowers” hits the sonic sweet spot.
PHNTMS has shared the stage with artists such as Kings of Leon, The 1975, Fitz & The Tantrums, and Empire of the Sun. Their influences include movie soundtracks, U2, Biffy Clyro, Kings of Leon, Deaf Havana, and soul singer Amy Winehouse.
“Paper Flowers” rolls out om shimmering hues flowing into thrumming guitars riding a Jovian rhythm. Alyssa’s swanky, swashbuckling voice, surely one of the best and most evocative extant, imbues the lyrics with surging passion and deliciously potent timbres, at once authentic and oh so tantalizing. Nonpareil, it’s a voice reminiscent of Patty Smyth, brimming with hypnotic nuances.
A dazzling guitar solo gives the tune searing scope and vibrant dimension, followed by elevating to a glossy, muscular wall of alt-rock layers.
Without a doubt, PHNTMS has it going on. “Paper Flowers” merges oomph-laden guitars and the crème de la crème vocals of Alyssa Gambino into a grand rock song.
