Phantom Tollbooth was a post-punk/noise rock band from New York City.[1] They played a style of post punk that included elements from jazz,[2] noise rock, and art rock.[1][3] This allowed Phantom Tollbooth to make sudden starts, stops, and tempo changes in their music.[4] All of their albums were released in a four-year window between 1984 and 1988 on Homestead Records. In 2003, Guided by Voices frontman Robert Pollard created new lyrics and melodies for Phantom Tollbooth's 1988 album Power Toy.[3] The resulting work was released as Beard of Lightning.[5]
In 2025 the band are active again and playing shows including a September 2025 appearance at DromFest in Catskill, NY.
| Phantom Tollbooth | |
|---|---|
| Origin | New York City |
| Label | Homestead Records |
| Years Active | 1984 - 1988, 2025 - present |
Members
- Dave Rick (guitar/vocals), is a former member of B.A.L.L., Bongwater, King Missile, Shapir-O'Rama, When People Were Shorter and Lived Near the Water, Wide Right, Wonderama, Yo La Tengo. He currently plays with Atlantic Drone, Dew-Claw, The Martinets, Overcat and Stress Test.
- Gerard Smith (bass guitar/vocals), is a former member of The Royal Arctic Institute. He currently divides his time between Phantom Tollbooth and Matt Hunter & The Dusty Fates. Over the years he has played with various artists including Ben Miller (Destroy All Monsters (band)) and with Doug Gillard (Guided By Voices/Death of Samantha) in the group Doug Gillard Electric.
- Paul Andrew (drums)
Former Members
- Jon Coats (drums), currently of Canartic and proprietor of dank disk records.
Records
- Valley of the Gwangi 7" (1986)
- Phantom Tollbooth E.P. (1986)
- One Way Conversation (1987) album cover designed by Dave's sister Jenny
- Power Toy (1988)
- Daylight in the Quiet Zone E.P. (1990)
- Beard of Lightning (2003)
References
- ^ a b True, Chris. "Phantom Tollbooth". Allmusic. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
- ^ Kenny, Glenn. "Phantom Tollbooth". Trouser Press. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
- ^ a b Brigham, Dave. "Phantom Tollbooth + Robert Pollard = Beard of Lightning". Junk Media. Archived from the original on June 14, 2012. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
- ^ Leland, John (September 1986). "Singles". Spin. 2 (6): 37. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
- ^ Horn, Chris. "Phantom Heroics". Dusted. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
External links
- Band Website
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