Taking influence from Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, and New Wave, Upstate New York’s Phantogram is a sultry mix of what has been stated as “hazy Dream Pop, dark atmospheres, and head-knocking rhythms melded into a compelling, original sound.” Formed in 2007, the Psych-Pop duo known as Phantogram is comprised of Josh Carter (vocals, guitars) along with Sarah Barthel (vocals, keyboards), and in 2013, added Nicholas Shelestak (guitar/synth) as well as Chris Carhart (drums) to the touring crew. With the ability to produce a wall of sound that shakes one to the core, their optical illusion-inspired name fits them perfectly. Secluding themselves to Harmony Lodge, an upstate NY barn, to write and record, they create the environment for true, uninterrupted music removed from outside interference. Beginning to release music immediately upon their forming, the duo possesses six EPs (including their previous band name of Charlie Everywhere), eight singles, and two studio albums. Their debut full-length in 2009 entitled Eyelid Movies was followed by Voices, co-produced by John Hill (M.I.A., Santigold), released in February of 2014. Well-received, it immediately put the band in the spotlight. Now in 2015, after recently being direct support for Indie Rockers Alt-J, the band has announced their own headlining tour across the US and Canada through August in continued support of their sophomore record. Bringing that tour to Long Island, on Friday, May 29th, with support by Son Little, Phantogram unleashed their cloud of sound onto an excited audience at The Paramount in Huntington, New York.
Up first was the artist known as Son Little. Born Aaron Earl Livingston, son of a teacher and a preacher, he has always had an affection and passion for writing. As a child, he was exposed to family records, saxophone, and piano, but enjoyed translating the lessons taught music into his own unique form. Sifting through Jazz, Rock, R&B, and Hip-Hop history and evolving from true life experiences, battling bouts of sadness as we all do, songwriting gave him the opportunity to push on. Influenced by John Coltrane, Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Tribe, and even having the opportunity to lay down vocals on The Roots’ Undun (2011) album, Livingston took the name Son Little and developed his passion and emotional release in music. Finding inspiration from everywhere and writing constantly, November of 2014 saw the release of the first Anti-Records EP called Things I Forgot. Consisting of six songs, Son Little displays his array of talents and emotions on the EP. Fortunately, The Paramount had a chance to witness Son Little and his band as they were treated to cuts off the new EP including the track “The River.” Sounding incredibly tight, and with a heavy Blues influence, Son Little came across as strong as he sang, making sure spectators’ ears were perked instantly towards the stage. In fact, many who were standing around the bar drew closer to the stage to get a healthy dose of Son Little’s medicine as they played on. Be sure to check him out as he plays select shows across the USA from now through August.
With the audience now eagerly awaiting and pumped for the main act, Phantogram stormed the stage. Complemented by a light-show of colors flashing, their set began with lead single off Voices, “Nothing But Trouble.” As the room shook, pounded by heavy bass and electronic elements, they charged through “Running From The Cops” and 2011 single “As Far as I Can See.” Keeping the momentum going, 2013’s “Black Out Days” had the crowd erupting into a sea of fist-pumping, arms raised high. Completely enthralled in their music, Phantogram continued on, without downtime, with “Turning Into Stone,” the eerily green-lit “Bad Dreams,” and “Don’t Move.” While Carter, Shelestak, and Carhart kept the steady beat going, Barthel jumped and flailed her hair, moving to the beat of “The Day You Died.” During this tune, the crowd was electric, dancing and jumping along with the sultry vocalist.
Keeping the atmosphere thick with ambiance, a guitar solo opened the softer, calmer “Bill Murray” as Barthel appeared draped in a black sequined cape and joined in comforting vocalizing between herself and Carter; giving the audience a chance to relax their excelled heart rate. Adding to the effect, the backdrop was covered by beautiful gold lighting, almost sun-like, and it was truly a breath of fresh air. Switching this up, Carter took over vocal duty as Barthel donned the guitar for “I Don’t Blame You.” Picking things back up and having everyone dancing with arms up once more, the popular cut “Fall In Love” ensued. Upon completion, Barthel confided, “That song is the perfect example of making something out of nothing and it meaning everything.” Softening the mood once more, the band moved through “Howling At The Moon.” Keeping the room inspired by their warm sound, “When I Am Small ” came before they took a moment to say they were very grateful for the enthusiasm and that it helped to feed their performance. Upon exiting the stage briefly, more cheers rained down and Phantogram returned to treat everyone to a two-song encore beginning with the very electronic “Mouthful of Diamonds” that had all singing along, before ending with “Celebrating Nothing.”
Possessing such high energy, Barthel was completely mesmerizing as she moved about and utilized the whole stage. As a whole, the quartet truly seems to enjoy performing in front of the packed room. Their set was almost as much about the light show as it was about the music. The mood set by the choice of colors, patterns, and flashes really helped to keep focus on them as fans waited to get glimpses of them as the light passed across their face. Sounding incredible and similar live as they do on the recordings, it is a feat accomplished well, especially for a heavily electronic-based “outfit” playing with live instruments. As always with The Paramount, fans had a perfect view wherever their feet took them and the first visit by Phantogram to the venue was a true success. After the emotional and physical outpouring of both Phantogram, as well as supporter Son Little, there was no question the audience’s expectations were met and exceeded. Those who have never seen Phantogram live, remember this, their music does the talking, so let go, and get lost in the conversation.
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