Phantogram

January 19, 2010

Perhaps where The xx shys away, Phantogram shines through and it isn’t just the male-and-female portrait that pulled me into a play on comparisons. Fundamentally, the two can’t be proven much different and yet I mean that in the best way possible. After all, Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim did claim 2009 in one simplified motion. Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel however, lend a much more obvious focus on instrumentation that speaks out to the new year in a seemingly positive manner.

After performing at SXSW ‘09 and opening for Zero 7, Ra Ra Riot, and Yeasayer, the duo signed with Barsuk Records and quickly returned to the studio. The renowned label is home to artists like Death Cab for Cutie, Rilo Kiley, and Mates of State… need I mention the longevity of their careers? Phantogram is set to release an LP version of their debut EP this February titled, Eyelid Movies, followed by a brief East coast tour that I can only hope will be extended and due West. The record is an inner-city formula of Electronic Hip Hop beats and Shoegaze-Pop, humbled by dreamy vocals and playground lyricism. Carter and Barthel showcase a strong sense of solitude in their small-town roots, isolating themselves in the outskirts of upstate New York to flirt with a much more organic style of recording, where it is as though this sort of… suitably brilliant music just happens.

MP3 Phantogram – Mouthful of Diamonds
MP3 Phantogram – 10,000 Claps

Posted by Cheryse in Artist Spotlight, Video