PHANTOGRAM – VOICES
Phantogram by definition is an optical illusion in which a 2-dimensional image appears to be three-dimensional. Similarly the electrorock collection is a duo that creates a sound that far outreaches just two people. Josh Carter (vocals, guitar) and Sarah Barthel grew up as friends going as far back as junior high. In 2007 the pair from Saratoga Springs, NY joined forces as Charlie Everywhere. After signing with BBE in early 2009 the group changed their name to Phantogram. Following the name change they released their self-titled EP and a second EP Running from the Cops. After a big year in 2009 Phantogram put out their first LP Eyelid Movies in the US in February of 2010. The album received generally promising reviews generating singles "Mouthful of Diamonds", "When I'm Small" and "As Far As I Can See". These singles and other tracks have been used frequently on commercials, movies, and TV shows.
Over the next few years the twosome traveled extensively both domestically and internationally, gracing hundreds of festivals and cities typically with a traveling drummer. Phantogram also found time to collaborate with Atlanta’s own Big Boi on multiple songs for his 2012Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors.
The street beat, psychpop all-stars return with the infectious and beautiful, Voices. Their second studio album brings us four tracks on their 2013 EP Phantogram and is joined by seven new tracks. Opening with ‘Nothing but Trouble’ a hips and head moving attack on your senses. It highlights Josh’s growth and grasp of the guitar and their ability to form different sounds seamlessly. ‘Black Out Days’ features what is believed to be one of producer John Hill’s many influences. Sarah’s ‘hey hey hey hey’ through the songs is a staples of two of his previous clients Rihanna and Santigold. Beyond the chorus the song focuses on synth play and Barthel’s silvery vocals.Voices mellows out with ‘Never Going Home’ headlined by vocals from Josh striking perfectly with the lyrics of an embattled home. ‘The Day You Died’ fits in most flawlessly with previous Phantogram releases with starry elongated instrumentals and precise vocals to match. After stints working with Big Boi, Stankonia Studio influences are also prevalent throughout the record. One such influenced track is ‘Howling at the Moon’ with its fast paced instrumentals and quick interchanges. ‘My Only Friend’ brings us the most intimate look at the duo. The piano-synth combo flows with her ominous vocals building as the track forms into a concrete ending to the record
The album is more explorative than previous recordings, which is quite a statement for this group. They attack this record, five years after their first and producer John Hill’s touch can be seen all over Voices. If there was an album in 2014 that deserves a first listen with headphones or a quality audio system, THIS IS IT.
Top Tracks
Nothing But Trouble
Bill Murray
Black Out Days
The Day You Died
Howling at the Moon
Celebrating Nothing
B Rating: 90
R Rating: 91
Overall: 90.5
Local Dates: CounterPoint Music Festival Apri 25-27th in Rome, Georgia
Like this album? Try….from 2013
CHVRCHES – The Bones of What You Believe
Keep Shelly in Athens – At Home
Holy Ghost! - Dynamics
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