REVIEW: Phantogram – ‘Voices’

February 18th, 2014

Brian Leak

Artist: Phantogram
Album: Voices
Genre: Electronic, Pop

With Voices, Phantogram offer up their first full-length album since 2010’s Eyelid Movies. The New York-based duo of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter have kept busy between these releases though. Two additional EPs—from Barsuk and Universal Republic records, respectively—and a track on 2013’s Hunger Games soundtrack have kept fans sated between releases. On this latest release, Phantogram offer up a rich, dark blend of synth-pop and rock.

Barthel’s vocals throughout the record are breathy and dreamy, juxtaposing nicely against a more urgent background of instrumentation. Tracks range from mellow to energetic, all while remaining entirely danceable. The more energetic of these tend to be the strongest on the album, though some listeners are certain to appreciate the slower tracks.

Album opener “Nothing But Trouble” is urgent and draws listeners into the record. Current single “Fall In Love” and tracks like “Howling At The Moon” are incredibly catchy and packed with energy. I found myself repeatedly returning to these tracks after finishing the record.

While overall a solid record, Voices does have its weak points. The few songs with Carter bearing the brunt of vocal duties tend to fall flat mixed among those with Barthel on lead. The record is more polished and shows growth compared to the band’s debut, but it lacks some of the bite and energy of Eyelid Movies. Slower tracks like “Bad Dreams” and the wonderfully titled “Bill Murray” are pleasant to listen to, but seemed to drag a little.

The album closes with “My Only Friend.” The track opens softly and continues to build before closing again in the same gentle tones it opened with, serving as a really great way to wrap up the album. Though there may be a few tracks listeners opt to skip over, Voices is definitely a record worth checking out.

SCORE: 7.5/10
Review written by Amber Wade