Phantoms is the debut studio album by American rock band Acceptance, released on April 26, 2005, by Columbia. It has gained notoriety as being one of the albums released by Sony BMG in the mid-2000s containing their controversial Extended Copy Protection software package, that resulted in lawsuits and settlements to consumers.
Background
Acceptance formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1998, with a line-up of: vocalist/bassit Jason Vena, guitarist Kaylan Cloyd, guitarist Chris DeCastro and drummer Peter Pizzuto. The group released a self-produced EP, titled Lost for Words, in late 2000 through independent label Rocketstar Records. Sometime after this, Pizzuto and DeCastro departed from the group; the pair were replaced by Garrett Lunceford and Christian McAlhaney, respectively. Ryan Zwiefelhofer then joined on bass. The group then recorded another EP, this time with Aaron Sprinkle. This brought the band to the attention of Columbia Records president Rick Rubin and A&R representative Matt Pinfield.
Composition and recording
The album's sound has been described as alternative pop, rock, All of the songs on the album were written, but were left unfinished before recording. Prior to entering the studio, the group did pre-production for a few months. By the time they entered the studio, the band had complete songs. Phantoms was recorded at The Compound in Capitol Hill, Seattle with Sprinkle handling production duties.
Release
In August and September 2004, the band toured with Gatsbys American Dream and the Snake the Cross the Crown. They went on a West Coast tour in February 2005 with Killradio and Over It. On February 24, 2005, Phantoms was announced for release, and the album's track listing was revealed. On March 1, 2005, "Different" was released as a single. In March and April, the band went on tour with Copeland, Lovedrug, As Tall as Lions and Eager Seas. It was promoted with an appearance at The Bamboozle and Flipside festivals, and a May 2005 tour with Vendetta Red, Head Automatica and A Static Lullaby. The band then supported Anberlin and Saosin on their tour of the US in June and July. Following this, the band joined Cartel, the Receiving End of Sirens and Panic! at the Disco on the Take Cover tour. "Take Cover" was released to radio on September 13.
On January 31, 2006, it was announced that bassist Ryan Zwiefelhofer had left the band, citing that he needed to "find the place that defines who I am." The group's touring keyboardist Kyle Flynn filled in on bass duties. On August 2, the band announced they were breaking up. With the exception of Vena, the members formed new bands.
Reception
Phantoms was met with limited critical acclaim. AbsolutePunk wrote: "It's not often that bands can create pop-oriented music that has lasting value, but Acceptance has managed to do it with Phantoms. Outstanding vocals and truly talented songwriting sets this band apart from everybody else."
By March 2006, the album had sold over 75,000 copies. In the years following its release, Phantoms became a cult classic.