“Hide the sun / I will leave your face out of my mind.” Phantogram’s most popular song, “Black Out Days,” features these opening lines. Their most recent album, however, is hard for any listener to get out of their mind.
An electronic rock duo from Greenwich, New York, Phantogram consists of Sarah Barthel (vocals, keyboards) and Josh Carter (vocals, guitars). Formed in 2007, Phantogram is known for their signature blend of dreamy synth-pop, trip-hop and rock, characterized by ethereal vocals, lush soundscapes and heavy beats.
Phantogram gained widespread recognition with their 2010 debut album “Eyelid Movies,” which featured hypnotic hits like “When I’m Small.” Their 2014 album “Voices” brought them further success with dreamy songs such as “Fall in Love.” They have since collaborated with artists such Big Boi of OutKast while continuing to refine their dark, cinematic sound. Their music has been featured in films, TV shows and commercials, solidifying their status as a staple in alternative and electronic music.
Their newest album “Memory of a Day,” released Oct. 18, 2024, presents a rich, atmospheric soundscape that feels incredibly cinematic and immersive. The album traverses a spectrum of human emotions, highlighting themes of nostalgia, hope, despair and the passage of time. Lyrically, it explores a longing for the past while confronting the inevitability of change and mortality.
The album opens with “Jealousy,” a moody track with a repetitive groove, though it may lack the pizzazz expected from the opening song. In contrast, “It Wasn’t Meant to Be” brings an infectious melody and an upbeat vibe, featuring bright synths and shining vocals that embody Phantogram’s signature sound. “All A Mystery” offers a dramatic, 80s rock ballad feel, building up from an a cappella pre-chorus into a powerful chorus that leaves listeners thinking about it long after the song is over.
“Feedback Invisible” shifts the album’s typical dynamic by featuring Josh Carter on lead vocals for a change, providing a refreshing variation in tone, though it may not be as commanding as other tracks. The album’s highlight, “Running Through Colors” serves as both a sonic and thematic centerpiece, reflecting on how music can evoke vivid memories and emotions. The melancholic and reflective lyrics explore themes of love and loss, and the way in which Sara Barthel delivers her vocals — softly and wistfully — evokes a longing feeling within the listener. This track, which also lends its name to their current tour, encapsulates the dreamlike energy that defines the album.
Overall, “Memory of a Day” is a polished and visually evocative body of work, showcasing Phantogram's signature ability to construct lush, atmospheric worlds that transport listeners into a dreamlike state. While some tracks tend to blur together due to their similar sonic textures, the album’s cohesion creates an immersive experience that feels like a continuous, flowing journey rather than a collection of disjointed songs. The interplay between Sarah Barthel’s ethereal vocals and Josh Carter’s moody instrumentation remains a defining strength, with layered synths, pulsating beats and melancholic melodies reinforcing the album’s introspective themes.
Phantogram continues to refine their blend of electronic rock and dream pop, striking a delicate balance between hypnotic rhythms and emotionally charged lyricism. The album not only reaffirms their place in the alternative music landscape but also expands their sonic palette, making it a rewarding listen for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
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Jenna Arafeh is a Trinity first-year and a staff writer for Recess.