Halloween Song: Sonic45 - “The Phantom”

Here’s a Halloween song profile that first appeared in 2024.

Sonic45 has been known to set troubling lyrics to irresistible new-wave arrangements, so it’s not surprising to find “The Phantom” on the Chicago-based band’s second album SuperSonic. I sometimes stretch the boundaries of what qualifies as a Halloween song, but make no mistake, “The Phantom” is the real deal. Some might suspect bassist-songwriter Len Kasper intends this tale of a creature who returns frequently but always unexpectedly has a political undercurrent. Or maybe it’s just about a carnivorous monster with invisible hands.

Following an extended and ominous instrumental intro, lead vocalist Matt Spiegel warns, “The world’s not as safe as you’d like it to be.” The mystery deepens with the lines, “Don’t know him now; didn’t know him then./There’s no telling how The Phantom shows again.” There’s a definite need to stay awake in order to survive. “If you don’t believe the Phantom is real, don’t close your eyes, you will be his next meal.” Just like the ending of so many horror films, the song suggests we’ll never be rid of this menace. “I swear on my heart, The Phantom will come again.”

In addition to being musicians, Kasper and Spiegel are also sports announcers, and the band’s other members—Liam Davis, Gerald Dowd, and Dag Juhlin—are also well-known on the Chicago club scene. That means live performances by Sonic45 are rare, but well worth checking out.