A band’s name is not always a direct reflection of what their music aims to achieve. Sometimes it’s derived from fond memories or catchy word combinations. Sometimes it’s completely made up or nonsensible. That’s not what I’m talking about here.
A phantogram can be described as an optical illusion in which 2-dimensional images morph in perspective to appear 3-dimensional. Soothing synth sounds mixed up with swirling guitar riffs and the angelic voice of a blonde bombshell frontwoman embodies the name of this electro rock duo, Phantogram.
Comprised of two longtime friends, Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter, Phantogram has been writing and recording music out of a remote barn in upstate New York since 2007. In that time, they’ve released 3 studio albums, 4 EPs and 10+ singles. Notably, their albums Voices (2014) and Three (2016) gained critical acclaim, both peaking at #3 spots on the US Alternative and Rock charts. Their combination of occasional dark lyrics with tastefully layered synth-pop music provides something likeable for varied palettes.
So what can we expect from Phantogram as they take on Bogart’s, our favorite hometown venue? You might already know the answer to this question if you experienced Big Grams, a unique collaboration between Phantogram and Big Boi, at Bunbury Music Festival last Summer. Barthel’s in-your-face style and stage presence sat well next to the iconic rapper as they exchanged lyrics back and forth. Although their self-titled EP was mostly reviewed by critics as average, the energy and reception from Bunbury’s crowd was enough to prove that the trio puts on a phenomenal show.
As they continue to promote their most recent music, Phantogram’s tour setlist is expected to feature most songs from the album Three, though you can count on several favorites from Voices and a few choice songs from Eyelid Movies being thrown into the mix as well.
The dynamic dream pop pair will hit Bogart’s well-seasoned stage tonight—doors open at 7:00 pm. The Veldt, a recently-resurfaced electro psychedelic band, will open the show with soulful melodies accompanied by plenty of distorted synth sounds.
Grab tics HERE!
