German emotive post hardcore band Phantom Bay are stoking anticipation for their upcoming EP, ‘Underground’, with the release of their fiery new single and video, “Collective Decline.” Set to drop on September 8th through KROD Records, the EP is already building momentum.
Phantom Bay has built a reputation for their live performances, having shared stages with esteemed hardcore bands such as Militarie Gun, Turnstile, and One Step Closer. Adding to their touring credentials, the band is scheduled to perform at FEST this fall.
With their robust sound reminiscent of Patrick Kindlon (Drug Church, Self Defense Family), the emo leanings of Fiddlehead, and a unique touch of 00s melodic hardcore, Phantom Bay has skillfully amalgamated these influences. The result? A unique blend of punk music that has earned them an invite to the esteemed “Fest” in Gainesville, a haven for melodic hardcore.
Hailing from Bremen, Germany, Phantom Bay was formed in 2020 by members already deeply ingrained in the punk and hardcore scene. Their music embodies an eclectic mix of punk sub-genres, taking cues from 80s D.C. hardcore punk, 90s emo, and 00s melodic hardcore, all while maintaining an unwavering commitment to melodic excellence.
After their debut self-titled album release in 2022, Phantom Bay hit the road, touring Europe with Militarie Gun from Los Angeles and opening for hardcore giants Turnstile and One Step Closer. Fresh off their UK festival debut at Manchester Punk Fest in Spring 2023, the band is gearing up for their next performance at the legendary Fest in Gainesville this Fall.
Their upcoming EP, “Underground,” features an array of tracks that showcase the band’s songwriting prowess and versatile sound. Opening with the riff-packed “Airtight,” progressing to the catchy lead single “Ends Meet,” and culminating with the powerful anthem “Collective Decline,” Phantom Bay demonstrates how multifaceted a punk record can sound in 2023.
Find the new single “Collective Decline” streaming here. You can pre-save the ‘Underground’ EP here. For vinyl and merch bundle pre-orders, visit Clever Eagle Records for North America or KROD Records for Europe and the UK.
“Collective Decline” lyrics:
If you still don’t get why you’re alive
You won’t get it until you die
Periodical gut punch
Is your steady reward
If you don’t get why it’s all on fire
Ask questions until you’re burned alive
Periodical gut punch
Take another one in the jaw
Oh, it won’t stop, it gets worse with time
You’re alright, you’re still moving
If you went along a different path
You’re alright, you’re still moving
If you still have means for self-reflection
You’re alright, you’re still moving
If you’re biased towards considered action
You’re alright, a cog in the machine
If we work hard
Show up
With enough time and enough thought
We still won’t make a difference
Collectively
If we work tirelessly
Suck it up
With enough funds and enough talent
We still remain unfocussed
And fully miss the point
If we keep reading the same texts
No meaning, no impact
We still won’t make a difference
Continue our decline
If we’re being drawn to the same jobs
False incentives, poor outcomes
We still won’t make a difference
We set the wrong goals
If we just like posts and sing songs
No actions, no results
We won’t ever make a difference
We’ll collectively decline
