Phantom Island (song)

The song's title is a reference to phantom islands, a phenomenon on early maps showing islands widely accepted as existing, that in reality didn't exist, such as Pepys Island and Antillia.^[1] The single was released alongside the announcement that they would be releasing their 27th studio album.^[2][3][4] Additionally Stu Mackenzie and Ambrose Kenny-Smith explained that the album was developed alongside Flight b741 but that Flight b741 contained the more "rowdy" songs while the new album will be "more laidback."^[2][5] Alongside the announcement of the new album, the release of Phantom Island also coincided with the announcement of a new tour where the band will be working with various orchestras to play the new album.^[2][6][7]

Stu Mackenzie stated that the song was initially developed with the intention to be the opening track of Flight b741 but that it had developed a "different vibe" and departed from the "thematic sense" of the album.^[1] Additional instrumentation was recorded at Allan Eaton Studios in St. Kilda, Victoria, Australia.^[2]

An addition to the Gizzverse, the lyrics of the song tell the story as a continuation of Flight b741, seeing the pilot of Flight b741 flying to an island he had dreamed of.^[1] By the time they arrive the passengers are beset by imagined mythological gods and creatures and begin to lose their sanity.^[1]

During their World Tour 2024 the band teased Phantom Island during a rendition of "Boogieman Sam" in Arizona Financial Theatre on 9 November 2024.^[1]