It wasn’t long ago that we last wrote about Phantogram. That write-up came mere minutes after hearing the gloriously catchy ‘When I’m Small’ for the first time. Since then I’ve become accustomed to the debut ‘Eyelid Movies’ which, because of its re-release next February, looks set to class Phantogram in many “new bands” list which will no doubt arrive very soon. Said album has its limits and there are boundaries that it refuses to cross. But that only adds to the sheer catchiness and instant likability of the record.
Opener ‘Mouthful Of Diamonds’ sets the tone. Synthetics pulse behind well synchronised guitar rhythms and hip-hop beats that a fast becoming signature elements of the band’s sound. The chorus opts for a breakdown, beats settling and Sarah Barthel’s voice harmonised into something far more delicate. Quite the ride – gripping from start to finish. (JM)
mp3//
Boredom is setting in on this fine albeit chilly Thursday afternoon. Having just been sent a nasty package from Gigwise with an Athlete CD requiring reviewing, I thought it good time to unleash some 140-character reviews on some of the stuff on the MFM stereo. |
Under scrutiny this time round:
Johnny Foreigner
Neon Indian
Washed Out and
Phantogram
Awww, here goes!
mp3: Feel It All Around (Toro Y Moi Mix)
Taken from this year’s ‘Eyelid Movies‘, set for a February re-release, ‘When I’m Small‘, were it to be stripped from the glossy synthetics, could have been written by a couple of 14-year-olds – fresh-faced but not that talented. It begins with a tranquil, teasing hip-hop beat before unleashing an amateur-ish, top E string guitar riff. It’s as relatively simple as Gnarls Barkley’s ‘Crazy‘, the kind of song you kick yourself for not writing.
But Phantogram release their collection of ideas in the chorus; bare of beats, exposed and supported by a vulnerable, delay-ridden guitar line, Sarah Barthel floating above, her voice fragmented into tiny particles amongst the spacious surroundings. It closes on a crescendo where nothing is filtered out – the complete polar opposite of how it starts. This is futuristic pop music made by an intelligent pair from New York City.
mp3// When I’m Small
Today the band announced that they were signed to Barsuk Records.
MFM @ HYPEM
