Phantogram is an American electronic rock duo from Saratoga Springs, New York, formed in 2007 and consisting of guitarist Josh Carter and keyboardist Sarah Barthel. They write and record in a remote barn in upstate New York called Harmony Lodge. The band name was inspired by the optical illusion named phantogram.
They often describe their sound as "street beat, psych pop". According to Josh Carter, their music has "lots of rhythms, swirling guitars, spacey keyboards, echoes, airy vocals." Barthel and Carter were inspired by artists like J Dilla, Madlib, Cocteau Twins, The Flaming Lips, Sonic Youth, Yes, The Beatles, David Bowie John Frusciante, Serge Gainsbourg, Kevin Shields.
Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter were friends since junior high school, but Phantogram did not officially form until 2007. That summer, Barthel returned home dissatisfied with pursuing a visual arts degree and Carter returned home after a brief stint in New York City with Grand Habit, an experimental band formed with his older brother, John. The two friends reunited and worked on finishing some beat ideas Carter made earlier and then finally formed the band.
The duo was originally called Charlie Everywhere when performing around the Saratoga Springs area on the local label Sub-Bombin Records. The group signed with the BBE label on 26 January 2009. Upon signing with BBE, the band changed their name to Phantogram to avoid any potential trademark issues. Their self-titled debut EP was released on 12 May 2009.
Phantogram's unique sound has helped them play as opening acts for more established bands such as The Antlers, Beach House, Metric, Minus The Bear, Zero 7, The xx, Ra Ra Riot, School of Seven Bells, Yeasayer, and Brazilian Girls.
On 13 October 2009, Phantogram announced via their Twitter account that they had signed with Barsuk Records. Barsuk has been home to bands such as Death Cab for Cutie, Rilo Kiley and Mates of State.
In September 2010 the band enlisted drummer Tim Oakley for their national tour. He has performed live with the band ever since.
In 2011, their song "When I'm Small" was featured in the opening episode of MTV's adaption of Skins (US). On 2 February 2011, they made their TV debut on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.
Track listing
Mouthful of Diamonds
When I'm Small
Turn It Off
Running from the Cops
All Dried Up
As Far as I Can See
You Are the Ocean
Bloody Palms
Futuristic Casket
Let Me Go
10,000 Claps
/ XBTT (1) by Dejavu
