The Observer, March 31, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 22
Phantom Planet set to rock for Spring Concert
click to enlarge
Have you, like thousands of others with highly addictive personalities across America, become disillusioned with the latest seasons of the formerly engrossing O.C.? Have you scrubbed from your brain the terrible storyline that involved Mischa Barton becoming the world's most unconvincing lesbian ever, but still somehow find yourself humming the borderline whiny-yet-absorbing theme song, "California"? While The O.C. has become nothing more than a bad memory in the minds of pop-culture aficionados, the men who turned the name of a state into one of the most popular songs in recent memory, Phantom Planet, have become one of the most recognizable indie-pop-rock bands in the country. These talented rockers are set to rock Case's socks off at this year's Spring Concert, tomorrow night at 7 p.m. in Adelbert Gymnasium.
The Los Angeles-based band got its start in the early nineties as a way for sons of the Hollywood industry (including Jason Schwartzman, nephew of Francis Ford Coppola, on drums; Sam Farrar, son of songwriter John Farrar, on bass; and one former Gap model to round things out) to pass some time in between living episodes of The O.C. After songs from their album The Guest made it onto the soundtracks of several teenybopper TV shows, things really started to take off for Phantom Planet. But it wasn't till the hit "California" replaced Rufus Wainwright's song as the theme for The O.C. that Phantom Planet became a Thursday-night institution in American households. Known for its outstanding vocals, intricate melodies, and no-holds-barred anthems, Phantom Planet is sure to deliver a great, classic indie-rock show, courtesy of UPB's Concerts Committee. According to Denise Cook, UPB's Concerts Chair, "we're always looking to bring new styles and new bands to campus." Last semester, Reel Big Fish brought out Case ska fans en mass; this semester UPB mixes things up with pop-rock. The goal? To put on a great show that many students and community members will enjoy.
Opening for Phantom Planet will be indie-rock band Machine Go Boom, "a really solid local band," according to Cook. This isn't Machine Go Boom's first time on campus, having played at this year's Welcome Back concert. Known for its quirky pop stylings, Machine Go Boom, fronted by Cleveland native Mikey Machine, issure to complement Phantom Planet's edgy yet charming rock.
So what are you doing Saturday night? Come out and enjoy the fruits of your activities fee; tickets for students are only $5. Why stop there? Grab a friend or even the professor you need to get an A from Tickets for faculty and staff are only $10, and $20 for the general public, and will be available at the door. This year's Spring Concert is sure to be a blast!
