To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the pop-punk outfit, Acceptance, recently announced their reimagined version of their quintessential album, ‘Phantoms’, called ‘Phantoms/Twenty’, recorded by original producer, Aaron Sprinkle, amid the band’s reunion and milestone anniversary due September 12th via Equal Vision Records. And while the band did redo their parts, this isn’t just any standard re-recording.
To give new context to its profound and lasting legacy, Acceptance enlisted a wide range of artists across various genres, many of whom were inspired by the band including Stephen Christian of Anberlin, Memphis May Fire’s Matty Mullins, Boys Like Girls frontman Martin Johnson, The Maine’s John O’Callaghan, Jenna McDougall from Tonight Alive and Hevenshe, All Time Low’s Alex Gaskarth, State Champs vocalist Derek DiScanio, Teddy Swims who has publicly shared that the band inspired him and admitted the first song he learned how to play on guitar was an Acceptance track, and more!
All of the guests on the record inject a sense of reverence and gratitude into the songs, as if by being on them is their way of saying thank you to the band for making this album all those years ago. Acceptance also asked each person who contributed to write a little blurb about why they wanted to take part, something that, for the band, was almost as meaningful as their guest spots.
Acceptance shares; “Our fondest memories of the ‘Phantoms’ sessions can be re-told through the piano chords Jason sang into on the emotionally charged final chorus of ‘So Contagious’. At the time, a song that was the truest form of what Acceptance could really be. Blending early indie rock influences in the single string verse guitars with big, dissonant choruses. ‘So Contagious’ captures the unbridled energy that comes with a new love. A few years ago, we connected with Teddy Swims by chance, and sparked a strong connection through mutual admiration. From the moment we had the vision for ‘Phantoms/Twenty’, we knew Teddy was the only choice for ‘So Contagious’. Adding his signature soulful style to the song, Teddy was able to bring out of ‘So Contagious’, an entirely different experience. The result of which can be found in the final chorus of the song, as Teddy masterfully delivers some of the most dynamic moments found in ‘Phantoms/Twenty’.”
‘Phantoms/Twenty’ tracklist:
01. Take Cover featuring Martin Johnson
02. So Contagious featuring Teddy Swims
03. In Too Far featuring Jenna McDougall
04. The Letter featuring John O’Callaghan
05. Different featuring Alex Gaskarth
06. Ad Astra Per Aspera – Instrumental featuring Ellisay
07. This Conversation Is Over featuring Stephen Christian
08. Over You featuring Derek DiScanio
09. Breathless featuring Charlotte Sands
10. In The Cold featuring Mitch Grassi
11. Permanent featuring Matty Mullins
12. Glory/Us featuring Cassadee Pope