Wikipedia says a phantogram is a form of optical illusion
that uses something
called “perspectival anamorphosis”
to trick your eyes into seeing a two-dimensional image as a three-dimensional one.
I say Phantogram is a kick ass upstate New York electronic indie psychofreakout
that tricks your ears into listening to something unique and endlessly
fascinating.
Formed all the way back in 2007, Phantogram has been
searching around for the perfect moment to strike with a debut album since the
near beginning of 2009. After enjoying success at live performances throughout
2009, the trippy guitar/keyboard duo signed with Barsuk Records in October and
geared up for finally releasing Eyelid Movies, their debut album, which comes out February 9.
It’s hard to describe Phantogram’s sound because there
really just isn’t one. The layers upon layers of beats, guitar and synth that
make up a Phantogram song added to the undeniably freaky vocals that overlap
across the surface make for a musical experience not like most.
Phantogram’s Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel are adept at the
art of combination. The manner in which they add track upon track to their
songs is overwhelming to say the least. When they sample, it’s hard to tell.
Even when they add their own voices in songs like “Running From The Cops,” they
manipulate them so much it’s as if they plug their throats in and move the
sliders just like any other mixer.
Sometimes the amount of layers can be more than overwhelming
and become plain irking. Tracks like “Mouthful of Diamonds” and “Futuristic
Casket” will come in hot and heavy with badass beats only to switch tones and
become prudent and mourning with the adding of a few more layers. This gets
frustrating for the first few listens, but it’s worth the wait.
Admittedly, the beginnings of the songs are usually the
weakest. They never take too long to be over with, but they mislead
consistently. There is a certain genius to this kind of fake out however.
Phantogram loves to start one way with a song and then take it another
entirely.
Debuts are difficult to figure out, and after three years,
Phantogram of all bands should know that. However, Eyelid Movies is all that the duo could have hoped for. The Album
leaves them wiggle room for even more diverse experimentation while still
gaining them respect.
