AWOLNATION’s fifth album, The Phantom Five, begins a new chapter for Aaron Bruno and his adventurous and experimental mission. But this isn’t just about hitting a numerical milestone in a discography, the number five here symbolizes something deeper: change, independence, and a rebirth of sorts. The album is both a look back and a celebration of AWOLNATION’s musical evolution over the past 15 years, bringing together a wide range of influences and sounds in a way that feels like both a homecoming and a push forward.

With The Phantom Five, Bruno delivers what he’s called a kind of "greatest hits" album. Only this isn’t a collection of past tracks, but rather a new set of songs that summarizes everything that is AWOLNATION. From the rebellious blast of “Jump Sit Stand March” to the yearning nostalgia of “When I Was Young,” Bruno balances raw energy with soul-searching in a way that few songwriters can. The lead single, “Panoramic View,” is a striking choice to kick off the introduction to the album. While AWOLNATION is no stranger to emotionally charged music, this heartfelt ballad wears its sincerity on its sleeve, representing Bruno’s newfound confidence in controlling every aspect of how his music is presented. He’s no longer just the mad scientist behind the scenes, now he’s a conductor orchestrating his vision with precision and purpose.

The album’s guests add to the eclectic feel. Dead Sara’s Emily Armstrong lends her raw, powerful vocals to the mix, while Del The Funky Homosapien, known for his contributions to Gorillaz, brings his signature style to the track “Third Rail.” Bruno’s collaboration with Del is especially significant, a moment that feels like a full-circle homage to the genre-mixing madness that AWOLNATION has always embraced. “I hit Del up through my relationship with Dan The Automator, and he was like, ‘Yeah, send it.’ I was blown away,” Bruno recalls. “He sent back this verse that was just perfect - it was like my own Gorillaz moment. Del’s interpretation of trying to find happiness in a world turned upside down hit the nail on the head, which is really what The Phantom Five is all about.”

From the retro vibes on tracks like “A Letter To No One” to the jangly, Cars-inspired new wave pop of “City Of Nowhere,” the album winks to the past while staying firmly planted in the present, with Bruno’s fascination with classic sounds and modern production techniques creating a dynamic that feels both familiar and fresh. In the end, The Phantom Five is proof that Bruno has still got plenty of surprises up his sleeve.