Hear Philadelphia Rockers’ PHNTMS Soar on ‘Honesty’

Around since 2015, Philadelphia rock band PHNTMS are on their way to taking over stadiums. If opening slots for seasoned heavyweight bands such as Kings of Leon and Bastille isn’t proof, their music is testament to their intent of crafting arena-rock at its best.

The band’s new song “Honesty” (via Symphonic Distribution) brings together vocalist Alyssa Gambino, guitarist Adam Jessamine, bassist Mikal Smith and drummer Gene Murphy for a soul-bearing rock song that’s shimmers like U2 and certainly draws an influence from Kings of Leon. While the song talks about relationships and hurt, their material so far – part of an upcoming self-titled EP – talks about everyday situations and growing up.

Half of the band also identify as queer, which Murphy addresses in a statement, “We openly talk about lesbian relationships in our music and we want to bring hope to anyone who is in the closet and doesn’t feel safe coming out. Whether you are out as queer or not, your identity is valid and if our music helps you escape heteronormativity for a brief moment.”

With the EP expected by the end of August or early September, Jessamine says it’s something PHNTMS has been “working very hard on for quite some time.” There’s also a follow-up in the works but owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the guitarist does note that it’s “extremely frustrating” for the band to hold off on live shows. “But better to be safe than sorry,” he adds. Navigating the current music scenario, Jessamine adds that there’s always some silver lining. “It’s hard these days putting out music due to the pandemic but times like these we are really thankful for streaming services. They can get you in front of people all over,” he says.

Hear “Honesty” below. Stream on YouTube and Apple Music.