Arts & Life

Brand new flavor in your ears – Phantogram’s “Voices”

After premiering a stream of singles, Phantogram released their third album, “Voices” on Tuesday.

“Ever have the feeling that you’ve constantly been dreaming this is life” is the album’s first lyric and immediately reveals the sentiment on which the album is built.

Phantogram, comprised of duo Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter, crept in from the New York scene with their first EP “Mouthful of Diamonds,” followed by the full album “Eyelid Movies” in 2010.

Unlike past songs like the incredibly catchy “Don’t Move,” on their 2011 sophomore album “Nightlife,” the new album speaks in a clearer, emotionally latent fashion. The musicality and lyrics are bolder and more prominent, and with “Voices,” Phantogram maintains the same style for which their original fans awaited with bated breath.

Phantogram’s first two albums were unique and edgy and allowed the duo to dominate the underground chillwave and synthpop scene. With their new album, Phantogram is propelled to another level, one that will compel fans with emotional statements like never before.

Phantogram exploded into the popular music scene when their song, “Lights,” made it onto the “Hunger Games: Catching Fire” soundtrack. Fans of the film began to wonder who was producing the hypnotic vocals and flavorful, hip-hop inspired beats.

Before then, they were largely unknown in the above-ground music scene. Phantogram is a modification of Crystal Castles, using relaxed synthesized instrumentals and gently reverberant vocals. Barthel is just as edgy as Crystal Castle’s Alice Glass with her similar jet black hair and leather and studs, but Barthel wears her heart on her sleeve, especially in “Voices.”

Songs like “Bad dreams,” “Fall in Love” and “My Only Friend,” surrender to vulnerability and passion. Based on the more docile feel of the new album, it’s not difficult to see the band is working with a more sophisticated style of music.

“Bill Murray” is the emotional core of the album. Although beautiful, it is not as entertaining as fans of the genre would expect. Nevertheless it’s a twist that Phantogram successfully executed.

Although very different, the album has its exciting moments for which Phantogram is loved. For example, in “Howl at the Moon,” Barthel belts out excitedly while accompanied by warped hip-hop instrumentals such as randomized hi-hats.

While Phantogram’s spirit has waned slightly, “Voices” is nevertheless a quality album that’s worth a listen.

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