By Lily Perez |Staff Writer|
Phantogram’s electronic infused, jolting and psychedelic sounds are present throughout their new album, “Voices”.
Phantogram which is comprised of members Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter have generated a lot of buzz from their previous self-titled EP, released Sept. 30 of last year.
The duo has definitely not disappointed listeners with their newest album.
Sarah Barthel’s voice is still hauntingly beautiful and eerie, making audiences easily get lost in the duo’s hazy ballads.
The first couple of songs of the album like “Black Out Days,” carry a sense of urgency with their use of enthralling rhythms and electrifying vocal loops.
“Fall in Love,” the first single off their new album, has garnered a lot of rave reviews because of its sultry and seductive sound and has earned Phantogram a greater following.
“I feel that the song is very dreamlike and it relaxes me, the beats and rhythms are very unique and her voice is so good,” said student Minju Pyo, a senior.
The band released the music video for “Fall in Love” days before their album release and it did not stray away from the sultry and electrifying feeling we get when listening to the song.
Barthel and Carter sing and dance “Fall in Love” dressed in leather outfits which fit right in with the duos 80s synthetic pop music style.
The black and white noir music videos use of lighting, shadows and geometric shapes plays an essential role in entrancing and captivating viewers.
Much of the duo’s songs carry a sense of seductive, psychedelic beats with a bit of mystery but their sound has definitely evolved.
The band shows a different side to their sound as seen in “Bill Murray.”
The song is a quite sad and melancholy ballad which allows Barthel to show a softer side of her voice.
“Their music can be very relaxing and it’s a bit up-temp so it’s great to listen to while driving, studying or even working out,” continued Pyo.
“Voices” delivers song after song that is set to make people dance like “Howling at the Moon” and “Celebrating Nothing.”
Phantogram’s sound intensifies throughout their songs but their unique and original beats never once overpower Barthel’s eerie vocals.
The type of caliber seen from this pair in Voices comes to no surprise as to why these Saratoga Springs, N.Y. natives have had the opportunity to work with The Flaming Lips and Big Boi from Outkast.
Phantogram’s sophomore album is only a glimpse of what this duo is capable of achieving.
Phantogram’s LP Voices does not disappoint and is definitely worth listening to.
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