by Jimby Sisto
photo by Wolf James
Smoky, sultry and undeniably danceable, Phantogram is setting the bar high for a new breed of electronic-based indie rock. In their charming 9-year career, they have released three immaculate studio albums and even a collaboration with Outkast’s Big Boi called Big Grams. Phantogram seem destined to turn rock fans onto the desperate world of Aphex Twin-type electronic beats, and vice versa. Best friends for over a decade, singer Sarah Barthel and guitarist Josh Carter show no mercy and bring forth a fervent energy that is palpable and catchy. Their latest album Three finds them once again reinventing a mystical, cinematic sound that’s equal parts sweet dreams on a fluffy pillow and an unwanted altercation with a bitter flesh-hungry alligator. Their jams bleed pure creativity and call back to times when genres were molded and smashed together for the purpose of creating a new feeling. This is a set you definitely need to see in its entirety.
