COUNTDOWN TO MPF: PHANTOM BAY INTERVIEW
At this year’s Manchester Punk Fest, we are excited to share our enthusiasm for Phantom Bay. Bringing emotive, powerful, hook-laden post-hardcore all the way from Germany, Phantom Bay deserve an introduction to your musical radar.
Riding a tide of tranquility and aggression, this trio from Bremen marries emotive late 90’s emo, edgy 00’s post-hardcore and the rising tide of the current melodic hardcore scene. Think Touché Amoré crammed into an elevator with Thrice and Samiam.
Formed in 2020, you’ll recognise members of Phantom Bay from bands like The Deadnotes, New Native and Casually Dressed. Their self-titled debut album is on regular rotation in the Manchester Punk Fest headquarters – it’s out now on KROD Records.
We spoke to vocalist and guitarist Michael Hanser.
How would you introduce yourselves to a punk fan who’s not heard of you yet?
If you enjoy fast, emotional, raw punk music, then Phantom Bay is for you. We sound like a mixture of Title Fight, Jimmy Eat World, and Drug Church, we’ve been told.
Which of your songs/releases are you most proud of, and why?
Our self-titled LP. We managed to arrange and record the entire record over six weekends during the pandemic, despite the strict lockdown situation in Germany.
Tell us a secret about your band.
We all love 90s Britpop. If we were more skilled musicians, we’d start an Oasis cover band.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
+44 in Vienna, Austria back in 2006.
What have you got in your pockets right now?
Earplugs, my phone and keys.
If you were a biscuit, what would you be and why?
I’d be a Gorilla Biscuits, because I really enjoy the band.
Who’s your favourite Dave?
Growing up, I was a big Manchester United fan, so I must say David Beckham.
Red or blue?
Red, obviously.
Oasis or Blur?
Oasis all the way.
Too much ska or too little ska?
Too much ska.
Help us settle the age-old bread debate. What do you call a roll / cob / bap / barm / batch / muffin / other (specify)?
I am originally from Vienna and we would call it ‘Semmel’.
Finally, which bands are you most excited to see at MPF2023?
Ratcage, Shooting Daggers and Death By Stereo. We’re very excited to catch as many bands as possible.
Buy your MPF2023 ticket HERE.