By Stacie Cruz
Staff Writer
Phantogram released their new album, “Voices”, February 21, including eleven new rhythmic tracks that keep listeners enthralled.
“Voices” is a very deep, and thought-out album. The electronic-rock keeps listeners tuned into the music, while the lyrics flow nicely with the tempo of each song. The new album does a great job of keeping variation throughout the experience by having slower, earnest songs and other faster, dance-able songs.
Phantogram is an electronic rock/alternative band from New York, and “Voices” is their third album. They first debuted in 2009, although “Voices” is sounding to be their best album, and has nearly double the songs their last album, “Nightlife” had.
“Voices is Phantogram’s latest release since their song “Lights” was featured on “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” soundtrack. The feature gave the New York band much exposure, boosting their fan-base and anticipation for the release of “Voices.”
Phantagram’s past work usually varied in different musical style, from eerie hymns to exciting electro-pop. “Voices” shows a consistency in the electro-rock/alternative style the band has adopted. Despite this sameness in musical style, Phantom keeps the sound from being boring and repetitive.
Of the eleven new tracks, many keep the electronic tempo but with more of a mellow rhythm. These songs, such as “Bill Murray” and “My Only Friend” have slower tunes, which coincide well with the deeper lyrics.
On the flip side, the electric tempo can also highlight the dance-able qualities of certain songs, by making the beat much more exciting. Songs like “Howling at the Moon” give the music a new edge.
Lead singer Sarah Barthel has a very smooth, nearly angelic voice that resonates well with the stronger, edgier sounds the genre produces. Second band-member Josh Carter also has a decent amount of vocals on the new album, like in the song “Never Going Home.”
The powerful, electronic beats of most of the songs do most of the lyrics justice. Lyrics to many of the songs are meant to appeal on a heartfelt level, further helped by Barthel and Carter’s dulcet vocals. The intense sounds of the album appeal to listeners, seeming to sweep the lyrics along.
“Voices” is supposed to be a sophomore album, meaning there is more greatness to come for Phantogram. With the inclusion of more vocals by guitarist, Carter, and more of a commitment to the genre of electrorock/alternative, Phantogram seems to be on a good path for any future work.
“Voices” sells on iTunes for $7.99 and on Amazon for $10.00.
Leave a Reply