Phantogram ushers in new voice
Latest album showcases band’s talent and diversity
February 25, 2014
Rather than fade into non-existence like their name implies, New York-based electronic rock duo Phantogram hits all the right keys in its latest studio release, “Voices,” and promises to amaze listeners.
“Voices” features 11 songs and runs just over 40 minutes. Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter’s second album since the 2009 “Eyelid Movements,” “Voices” once again highlights lead singer Barthel’s unique and entrancing vocal talents in conjunction with an emotional and funky beat.
Where “Voices” shines is its diversity and variety within the songs on the album. Although all of the songs have a similar pop-like beat infused with some heavy synth, each features a different aspect and inflection of Barthel’s abilities, ranging from the happy and upbeat “Howling at the Moon” to the relaxing and slow “Bill Murray.” Also, while the band’s original album mainly focused on Barthel in the lead, “Voices” features more of Carter such as in “I Don’t Blame You” and “Never Going Home.”
Overall, “Voices” highlights and displays the incredible talents of Barthel and Carter for their second album. Each song is special enough to evoke a different emotional reaction and response within listeners, yet all contain an underlying groovy and enjoyable beat. For fans of the band 18 years and older, the duo will perform at 7 p.m. on April 13 at First Avenue in Minneapolis with tickets starting at $32.