These days, we’re all looking forward to a happy spring pick-me-up, aren’t we? I would argue that the darker days of Sigh No More, the King of Limbs, and Teen Dream, while all hypnotic and some of my own recent favorites, should be left in the slushy, grey days of winter. I’ve gotten sick of walking around to my favorite Bon Iver’s (new EP in June, brace yo’selves), I’ve become bored of No Age and Local Natives and all these bands that fit my winter fancy. I’ve even grown bored of those filthy dubstep groans we all hold so close to our tired little teenage hearts. This is why, in the first warm, perfectly breezed, pollen-filled days of spring, I feel the desperate need to spread the word about one of my new favorites, not only appropriate for spring, but hopefully for the duration of my last few months before heading off to college – no, not Helplessness Blues ("Sunlight over me no matter what I do!") – Saratoga Springs based band Phantogram.
I have a love/hate relationship with pretty much all chick singers. I left the Beach House concert early this year because, frankly, I don’t care too much for Victoria Legrand’s ‘earthiness’ (feel free to judge me). Florence Welch’s singing, after frequent listening, has become less pleasant and more whale-like. Grace Potter’s sex-filled rasp get’s old. I will even admit, after years of denial, that Regine Chassange (when left alone) leaves much to be desired (…come on, you know it’s true). However, upon first shuffling through Phantogram’s debut album Eyelid Movements, I found myself with quite literally no complaints. Not to mention the duo has previously opened for Metric and Yeasayer. What more could trendy little hipster scums want?
Sarah Barthel is ballsy, specifically for a young, sexy female who (I’m sure) had every opportunity to slut away her talents on some sub-par pop album off some big, fancy label. Her voice, often times in company with guitarist Josh Carter, is subtle, but arguably as sassy and powerful as current chart-topper Adele. Her voice on Eyelid Movements is dynamic on each track – mysteriously muted while equally strident, easy on the ears while curiously impossible to replicate (my shower head can vouch for me). My favorite track off this album is Mouthful of Diamonds, which features some of the sparkliest guitars I have ever heard. Yes, sparkly. You’ll have to hear it to believe it (see below). “Wake up, you’re getting high on your own supply” Next, I’d recommend When I’m Small, another favorite. This track is equally as psych-poppy and catchy, but arguably darker and beautifully eery. “I’d rather die than to be with you” Turn it Off and Running From The Cops are also big hitters in my book.
There’s something about this part of the year that begs for unfortunately catchy pop singles, troubled MC’s and love songs. What Phantogram so artfully supplies is a fresh sound that echoes gorgeously articulated ruminations on unrequited love, royally fucking up, caustic criticisms of close friends, and big fat “FUCK YOU” ‘s to unsuspecting individuals. There’s nothing like a good pop album that sends shivers down your spine and pumps out solid modern funk at the same time. I don’t know about you, but this is what I’ll be clumsily dancing to for the next few weeks or so.
Props to Daryl for letting me in on this hip endeavor. I feel fucking special. TBX out.
Phantogram When I'm Small by cessinorman
Phantogram - Mouthful Of Diamonds by ana_satana
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