Phantogram's second full-length album, ‘Voices’ catches the ear quickly, melding hazy dream pop, dark atmospheres, and head-knocking rhythms into a compelling, original sound. Since 2007, the New York duo’s music has evolved organically, and the band's career has mirrored that development. Formed in Saratoga Springs in upstate New York, longtime friends Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel crafted music untroubled by outside interference. With each new release and tour since their 2009 debut ‘Eyelid Movies’ (Barsuk), their sound has progressed—and so has their popularity. Yet ‘Voices’ makes no concessions to commercialism. From inception to execution, ‘Voices’ stays true to the aesthetic that has won them a wide, disparate fan base.
Although hip-hop is a key influence on their music, the division of labour in Phantogram doesn't neatly split into clear cut old school roles of DJ and MC. The two members share creative responsibilities. Carter sings lead on two new tunes and Barthel assumed a bigger role in production on ‘Voices’.
Meanwhile, working with Big Boi on three tracks for his 2012 solo album, ‘Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors’ did more than just broaden Phantogram's listening audience. The Outkast veteran also dispensed sage advice as they graduated to a larger record label and bigger crowds. “He told us not to worry and to stay true to what we were already doing,” says Barthel. Lend an ear to ‘Voices’ and it is clear Phantogram took that advice to heart.
