Fans filled the entirety of the Mercury Lounge Saturday night, singing along and swaying to Phantogram’s organic beats and soft airy voices that echoed through the small space. Known for their intricately seductive blend of hip hop inspired electronica and breathy lyrics, the duo consists of lifelong friends guitarist Josh Carter and keyboardist Sarah Barthel. The group creates an undeniably emotional aura, invoking whimsical reflection with thought provoking hooks and complimentary soul-soothing melodies. Performing a number of favorites, Phantogram’s incredibly intimate performance both greatly surprised and awed the audience, leaving with them an exhilarating night to remember.
Phantogram at Mercury Lounge
As Phantogram took the stage, people pushed up towards the front of the lounge and even sat on the floor, relishing in the band’s cool, eclectic sounds. The throng of fans cheered adoringly while Carter and Barthel belted out their more widely-held songs including “Mouthful of Diamonds”, “When I’m Small”, and “As Far As I Can See”. Awash with flawlessly executed pop overtones, Barthel crooned to the lounge with her habitual, otherworldly tones and keyboard while Carter harmonized with his darker, twang-ish voice, plucking of his guitar strings and random keying in with the synthesizer.
Phantogram at Mercury Lounge
Midway through, the two make a tribute to Mark Linkous’ (Sparklehorse) untimely death by doing a cover for “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Shocked and saddened, listeners were undeniably moved by Phantogram’s accolade and the loss of a beloved musician.
Hailing from upstate New York, the group began making music in 2007 and was previously known as “Charlie Everywhere”. With their first 2009 EP generating much excitement, Phantogram is capturing hearts again with the newly released Eyelid Movies that is indisputably an outstanding album. With pulsing beats and smooth rhythms, each song has a distinct sensation and feeling.
Phantogram at Mercury Lounge
A fresh and much appreciated take on electronica, Phantogram’s diverse compositions powerfully resonates, awakening the free spirit in everyone. They are a band to keep an eye on as we will definitely hear more from them. Truly embracing their individuality, Carter and Barthel offer a multiplicity of sophisticated, unrefined vocals and instrumentation that is irresistibly, overwhelmingly, and obsessively addicting, making for an intensely surreal show. Phantogram is an entirely new musical experience that is nothing short of mesmerizing, and had the crowd yearning for more; calling Carter and Barthel back for an encore which was humbly accepted.
Phantogram at Mercury Lounge
This review was also published in Thursday’s Arts Section of the Independent.
To view more of Jen’s photography, miscellaneous art, and current projects, check out her blog.
Jen is a fourth year Communication major at UCSB minoring in Professional Writing and Global Peace and Security. With a deeply embedded background in art and marketing, she is intensely passionate about each of her pieces and devoted to illustrating the most current and raw news with clear-cut and compelling imagery. For more of Jen's work check out her blog at www.jenhwoo.wordpress.com or follow her on www.twitter.com/jenwoo. Please send any thoughts or ideas to jen_woo@ymail.com. 
I’m Sarah’s proud mama