Phantogram - "Memory of a Day"
Relaxing vibes to end the year
Getting one last review out before the end of the year, and I’m happy I finally get to talk about Phantogram (albeit in a more abbreviated fashion).
Phantogram is the band that you may not have heard of, but should be really excited about, anyhow. The act is comprised of the duo of Sara Barthel and Josh Carter, both from Saratoga Springs, NY, and Memory of a Day is their fifth full-length album; their debut released in 2010, and they’ve gained a decent cult following since.
Phantogram’s sound is a pretty unique blend of Electronic Rock, Dream/Psychedelic Pop, and Trip Hop. Synthesizers play a huge role in every track; the only real instruments used are Barthel’s keyboard (and/or bass) and Carter’s guitar, typically. But the blend is frequently deeply atmospheric with strong, poppy melodies. It isn’t Synthwave, but fans of Synthwave will find plenty to love here.
Most of the songs on this album are a vibe of one sort or another. These are all, without a doubt, getting tossed onto the playlist I like to toss on while I’m working. Some songs are definitely standouts, though — most notably opening track “Jealousy” and “Attaway”; “Feedback Invisible” more metronomic structure might be a sleeper favorite for some, though it didn’t resonate with me.
Something about “All A Mystery” rings of Imagine Dragons, but I can’t place my finger on what or why.
There’s not a bad song on the album, but only a couple really transcend. And with no throughlines to elevate the album as a whole, this one really just feels like a bunch of songs that will be great playlist fillers.
Solid vibes, start-to-finish, but I expected a little more.
Rating: Green