Phantogram - “Dear God”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 9; Popularity Index: 10

Pairs Well With…Sleigh Bells, Crystal Castles, CHVRCHES

Phantogram’s sound is bigger and fuller on their fourth record Ceremony, turning up the pop hooks and electronic rock energy to their once cooled, trip hop base. While denser, there are some light synth moments throughout Ceremony that add some hazy air over their music, but the intensified rhythms and melodies smash through in a sound that moves from grey moods to relatively hopeful tones like on “Into Happiness”. The LA duo have been mesmerizing listeners for a decade now and that maturity shows in their songwriting, eschewing patient spaces for thick textures and performing with knowing confidence on Ceremony. (Kevin McStravick)

2014 Review: It’s a new game with Phantogram in 2014, who are delivering their sophomore LP Voices five years after the acclaimed Eyelid Movies.  The Saratoga Springs synth-pop duo’s patience is paying off (almost half the record has been released already through an EP and some singles) – the attention to detail has evolved Phantogram from a bedroom-dream sound to something demanding a deeper listen.  The trip-hop blitz of “Fall In Love” is an easy highlight, a track that owes as much to Dilla and Kanye than any sort of dream pop.  While this all sounds like it might be something manic, Phantogram’s music is a laid back, introspective listen and worth a trip for anyone who’s lost track since 2009.