Phoenix - Bankrupt

Bright, bold, and bursting with quirky charm, Bankrupt! is Phoenix leaning fully into their pop eccentricities. Released in 2013, this is the French alt-rock darlings’ fifth studio album, a follow-up to their smash hit Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix—and it proves they weren’t about to play it safe.

The album kicks off with “Entertainment,” a glittering, synth-driven anthem that sets the tone with its playful energy and neon glow. Tracks like “Trying to Be Cool” and “S.O.S. in Bel Air” are slick and stylish, brimming with hooks that cement Phoenix’s reputation as masters of indie-pop swagger. On the flip side, “Chloroform” slows the pace, washing the listener in dreamy textures that showcase the band’s softer, experimental side.

One of the album’s quirkiest gems is the nearly 7-minute title track “Bankrupt!,” a sprawling, psychedelic voyage that feels both whimsical and daring. This balance between bright pop immediacy and unexpected left turns is exactly what makes the record so fun—it’s adventurous without ever losing its cool.

Pressed on vinyl, Bankrupt! shines even brighter, giving each layer of synth and guitar room to sparkle. With ten tracks that manage to be cheeky, stylish, and utterly addictive, this LP is a perfect snapshot of Phoenix’s fearless creativity in full swing.