Phoenix

Alpha Zulu

Sep 07, 2022

Good Morning!

Today we’re listening to “Alpha Zulu” by Phoenix

It’s been roughly nine months since Phoenix last appeared on this page when “J-Boy” was featured.

And it’s been almost five years since the band’s last record was released. The band is currently putting the finishing touches on their follow-up to 2017’s Ti Amo.

If “J-boy” was about exhaling, “Alpha Zulu” feels like holding one’s breath. Indeed, the title supposedly came to lead singer Thomas Mars after overhearing a pilot repeat it after encountering turbulence.

Interestingly (or not), I first heard J-boy as a plane I was on was taking off.

Mt. Hood looks on as a plane takes off from PDX. Photo: PortlandAlliance.com

And while I don’t know if it was Mars’ explicit intent to convey that unease you feel when a plane is no longer in smooth air, it has an air of urgency to it.

Woo ha
Singing Hallelujah
Pray to your God
Cover your lies
God or Guru
Hey hey hey
Woo ha
Singing Hallelujah
Run for your life
Cover your eyes
Alpha zulu
Hey hey

What I do know is that Mars working in the most “Woo has!” since Busta Rhymes did it makes a great track all the better. With intense energy and a euro-disco sound, “Alpha Zulu” is quite a ride.

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Phoenix kicked off a North American tour yesterday in Minneapolis. If you’ve got any requests they might still be taking ‘em!