We all hope to maintain a friendship for a lifetime, but unfortunately, it is not always the case. People lose touch, grow apart, or succumb to disagreement. However, some bonds are unbreakable… like those between Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter.
The duo that makes up Phantogram, Barthel and Carter have essentially known one another since days on the playground. Staying in contact through the years they finally brought together songwriting ideas in their twenties, thus forming what we know as Phantogram. Making their way previously as Charlie Everywhere, in 2010 they released the debut Phantogram album Eyelid Movies, followed by the breakthrough of Voices in 2014. Consistently showcasing a unique blend of Synthpop, Rock, and Trip Hop, the talented multi-instrumental vocalists return in 2024 with the new studio album Memory of a Day.
Their follow-up to 2020’s Ceremony, Memory of a Day arrived on October 18, 2024 through NYC-based label Neon Gold. Their fifth overall studio record, Phantogram seemingly challenged themselves once again to push the limits of their song. Possessing a very different feeling than the aforementioned Ceremony, for Memory of a Day they collaborated with Mikky Ekko and Semisonic’s Dan Wilson. Interesting to point out, that each is credited as co-songwriter on tracks, with Wilson, also a prolific producer, reportedly introduced some fresh ideas to Barthel and Carter. Working well, the album sounds fresh, unique, and highly colorful.
Twelve tracks in total, Memory of a Day has an upbeat tempo, rich Dream Pop textures, and extremely well-crafted songs where each part flows right into the next. Feeling more live, with some really fantastic drum tracking on each song, the mood is set with songs like “Jealousy,” the single “It Wasn’t Meant to Be,” and “Feedback Invisible” (featuring Carter and Barthel bouncing off each other vocally) This being said, by and large, the album also feels more drenched with more pronounced guitars that are immensely melodic and captivating. This is evident with songs like “Attaway,” the single “Happy Again,” and “Ashes” which penetrate your ears with a classic Alternative Rock vibe.
Beyond this, the more synthesized Pop cuts like “Running Through Colors” and “Come Alive” (another pre-released single) are great diversions from the remainder of the album, proving that Memory of a Day could be the most diverse Phantogram album to date. A bold statement, the album’s production is nothing less than stellar, the energy behind each song is engaging, with the ingenuity of Barthel and Carter as inspired as ever before. A truly electrifying multi-dimension collection of songs, Cryptic Rock gives Memory of a Day 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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