On Friday, Oct. 17, electro-rock band Phantogram captivated its audience with breathy vocals and vibrant lights at Ram’s Head, Live!
The band — which formed in 2007 — rose to fame with their debut 2009 LP, Eyelid Movies. The album is most well-known for its singles “Mouthful of Diamonds” and “When I’m Small,” both of which were included in Friday’s setlist and remain standouts.
Despite its complex sound, Phantogram consists solely of duo Sarah Barthel (vocals/keyboard) and Josh Carter (vocals/guitar), who are accompanied by two non-band members (a drummer and a synth/guitarist).
The two became friends in junior high school in Greenwich, N.Y. They reconnected in 2007 to form the band that is now known as Phantogram, formerly named Charlie Everywhere. Phantogram stays true to their upstate New York roots, recording their music in Carter’s converted studio-barn appropriately named Harmony Lodge, located in Easton, N.Y.
Since Eyelid Movies, the band has released three subsequent LPs, including its most recent, Voices (2014). Like the previous albums, Voices showcases electronic loops and hip hop beats that emphasize Barthel’s eerily beautiful vocals.
Phantogram took to the stage fashionably 15 minutes late. They opened with “Nothing But Trouble,” the first track off of Voices, and continued with a mix of songs that spanned their entire discography such as “Running from the Cops,” “Don’t Move” and “Black Out Days.”
Throughout the show, the band utilized graphic lighting to enhance the performance, illuminating the stage with white strobe lights, blue and red gel beams and used mirrors to create bold refractions. The light color scheme focused on a two-tone palate with an emphasis on black and white that was furthered by the band members’ coordinated outfits.
The standout song by far was “Bill Murray,” a softer, mellow tune driven by guitar, synth and Barthel’s soothing singing. For this song, Barthel donned a floor-length coat adorned with mirrored square sequins and stood on a platform at center stage. With multiple yellow gel lights pointed at her, Barthel had the appearance of a golden human disco ball, glowing and emanating glittering spots of light.
With her iconic voice, sensual dancing and ecstatic hair thrashing, Barthel clearly stole the show. Her stage presence commands the crowd and is reminiscent of other star frontwomen such as Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Karen O.
Vocalist/guitarist Carter was awkward in comparison, clinging to the microphone and making attempts at rapper-like hand gestures as he sang. While his vocals were strong and distinct on the album, when performed live they were dwarfed by Barthel’s animated presence and fresh sound.
Phantogram closed with “When I’m Small” and saved favorites “Mouthful of Diamonds” and “Celebrating Nothing” for the encore.
Phantogram put on a visually arresting performance with breath-taking sounds to match, distinguishing the band as a force to be reckoned with.
For new music and future tour dates, be sure to check them out through their website, phantogram.com.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The News-Letter.