Ironically named Three, Phantogram’s fourth studio album may be their most stylized and sophisticated work yet. Despite the maturity of its delivery, the layers of dark beats and sometimes chaotic sound, give it a raw heart that few bands seem to achieve nowadays.
The dynamic duo, featuring Sarah Barthel on vocals and keyboard and Josh Carter on guitar and vocals, made waves with their 2014 album Voices and the release of the single Fall in Love. Following their steady but hasty success, they’ve been touring non-stop and within two years, created another killer collection of hits.
While many eccentric female artists like Grimes and St. Vincent have been dominating the indie rock scene with their unique image and equally original songs, Barthel’s gothic edge combined with her effortless range skyrockets Phantogram beyond the hipster movement.
This transcendence of genre is the key to the band’s success. Thanks to major electronic bass drops and rich melodies, Three reaches alternative, electronic, and hard rockers alike.
Many songs within the album’s discography are ambiguous in meaning, but quite clear in angst. Throughout the first four tracks, Barthel sings of dreadful dreams, late nights and fuzzy memories. While there is a slew of melancholy music in America’s alternative scene, Three’s themes of disappointment and goodbyes are never pathetic, and most importantly, never apologetic.
You Don’t Get Me High Anymore, the first single released from Three, was top among alternative charts and radio stations, but Same Old Blues, takes the title of the most fierce track on the album. As Berthel effortlessly breathes out the chorus lines “I keep having this dream, where I’m stuck in a hole and I can’t get out,” the background momentarily fades; allowing us to focus on the melodic catch and the desperation within Berthel’s voice.
Thanks to her tempestuous grasp of lyrics and vocals, in addition to the duo’s expert use of electronic rhythms, Phantogram remains a frontrunner in the competitive rock scene. Unfortunately, the band will reach Portland on their tour Dec. 8 while most of us are taking finals, but with their rising popularity, they’ll hopefully return to the Northwest with another fresh album under their belt.