Led by chameleon-like front-man Fritz Helder -- a keytar wielding, contralto vocalist whose grandiose presence can only be described as fourth dimensional -- the quartet’s energy is as tremendous in-studio as it is on-stage. For proof, take a listen to their debut disc’s jewel-in-crown track “Making A Scene”. During the song’s catchy first verse Fritz raps about “dancefloor beats rocking it hard” amongst a plethora of carefully-crafted synth riffs and an onslaught of wild cowbells. The track reflects Greatest Hits: Platinum Edition as whole, working listeners into a frenzy at every turn of note, all while Helder sensually sings about the clubland vision of “disco balls and leotards” surrounding him.

Speaking of vision, it’s no wonder pop queen Nelly Furtado and design legend Karl Lagerfeld are counted as Fritz Helder & The Phantoms fans. The group’s avante-garde image (think hi-fashion, high-gloss, and high concept) and connection to chicness and beauty can be comparable to Roxy Music’s glory days in the 70s or Grace Jones at her most raw and risqué. Take for instance the band’s exquisite first single “Lagerfeld Lady”, a tribute track recorded for their idol, the Kaiser of fashion himself. Laden with a funk-laden forté of slinky rhythms and Prince-worthy lyrics, the tune -- which is accompanied by a slick video filmed in Paris -- fits fabulously into underground DJ sets and party playlists as much as it does FM radiowaves.

Yet Fritz and his talented crew of merry men and woman — a troupe that includes the glamorous Pastel Supernova (vocals), the cunning Diego Superstar (beats / keys / vocals) and electric-guitar player and vocals, Silk Helder — aren’t about fitting in at all.

Blending funk, disco, hip-hop, punk, ska, comedy and tragedy into their first album’s tracklist as well as mixing energetic choreography and envelope-pushing costume work into their live performances, the band breaks conventions effortlessly..