Let’s go to Australia again, or more specifically to Perth, where we enter the world of Phantom Island. It’s an art rock quartet who make their debut with Community, a 28-minute album that fuses jagged guitars and sharp hooks with provocative lyrics that have plenty to say. Its seven songs confront selfishness, loneliness, overwork, privilege, and colonial guilt while also searching for friendship, belonging, and empathy. The central idea is that community is fragile, imperfect, and constantly tested, but ultimately worth fighting for. Whether reflecting on absent companions, dreaming of escape, or rejecting entitlement, it’s abundantly clear that surrounding people are essential (most striking in Adam: “Take out a rib, Lord, from my side // Clothe it in flesh and give it life // I do not wish to be alone”). The vivid storytelling rides a wave of post-punk tension, where expressive interplay and commanding vocals never lose their grip, as echoes become part of the landscape.

Community—produced by Laurie Sinagra—is out digitally and on 12″ vinyl through Igloo Records. Featuring Joe Bludge (rhythm guitar, vocals), Sze T (lead guitar), Bonnie Rock (bass, vocals), and Flick Dear (drums, vocals).

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