Even back in 2009, when listening to When I’m Small from Phantogram’s ‘Running From The Cops’ EP, there was something about them that screamed ‘music for TV advertising’. Sure enough, the band have since soundtracked commercials for cameras and razor blades, as well as featuring in a multitude of US teen dramas. It’s just something about their sound.
For those not acquainted with the band, Phantogram is Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter, former high-school friends and bandmates for the last decade. They’ve released several EPs, a few long-players (of which ‘Three’ is somewhat predictably the third) and have starred in a plethora of identikit music videos where Barthel takes the spotlight in a dimly lit studio while Carter nods along, letting the camera run around him in an attempt to make it look like he’s moving.
The amount of thought that goes into their music videos is, it appears, often the same level that goes into the music that accompanies them. It’s frustrating as there are some good tunes there, but there always seems to be something missing.
They are capable of writing some corking dark pop songs - Fall in Love from their 2014 album ‘Voices’ is something of a modern pop masterpiece - but if there is such a thing as MOR electronica, then Phantogram’s music would fall under that genre.
Still, there are some strong points that jump out on ‘Three’. In fact, opener Funeral Pyre aside, the first four tracks contain some nice ideas, interesting samples and Barthel’s voice comes into its own.
But then what happens? We hand vocal duties over to Carter and that’s where the skip button comes into play. The duets are fine; You’re Mine is a high-tempo highlight of the album, but Barking Dog is just as annoying as its name might suggest. Carter’s voice is somewhat monotone and his apparent detachment and lack of interest makes for uneasy listening.
There’s also a nod to the work that the band have done with Outkast’s Big Boi (as Big Grams) in recent years with the hip-hop chants of closer Calling All, but as the album draws to a close there’s a stop-start feeling. The record, as with their previous two LPs, should flow a lot better than it does and the frustration with the duo grows with each passing year. On the plus side – for the band at least – there’s plenty here to help shift sports drinks and sunglasses.
Phantogram Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Mon November 14 2016 - BRIGHTON Patterns
Wed November 16 2016 - LONDON Heaven
Thu November 17 2016 - MANCHESTER Deaf Institute
Fri November 18 2016 - GLASGOW King Tuts
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