Phantogram Fall Tour – REVIEW

On Phantogram’s Fall tour, with Reptar and Exitmusic, they came to the Metro in Chicago. You can check out our review after the break!

As the lights dimmed, a thundering hip-hop instrumental grew louder, and screams could be heard coming from all over Metro.  Phantogram was making their first post Lollapalooza appearance in Chicago and judging by the initial crowd reaction, this was going to be a special night.  Despite their nocturnal music, Phantogram was given a daytime slot at Lollapalooza, but next time it is doubtful it will be a daytime slot again.  They were one of the most talked about bands after the post-Lollapalooza haze wore off, and were now getting a chance to really show off their sound.

Hailing from New York, Phantogram are Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter.  Fusing a variety of genres including hip-hop, rock and electronic music, Phantogram have set themselves apart from similar genre-bending bands with their incredible live show.  With wide ranging influences from rap to electro to indie, there is a lot to work with in creating their distinctive sound.  With Tim Oakley adding live drumming to their mix of drums, keys and beats, they posses a well rounded sound.  The band is touring on the upcoming EP release, Nightlife, as well as their excellent debut album Eyelid Movies.  While Eyelid Movies is the perfect soundtrack for a night out, Nightlife is a little more subdued and perfect for winding down in to the hazy hours of the morning.

Phantogram’s live sound is  mixture of guitar, keys, drum loops, live drums, and incredible vocals by to Barthel and Carter.  Some of the songs had timed lights as well, which added to the audio-visual experience.  Set opener As Far As I Can See had a stuttering electro drumbeat to go with Barthel’s soaring vocals, and the song really kicked in when Oakley started drumming as well.  Highlights of the set included Don’t Move, with Barthel’s sultry vocals and a chiming guitar riff carrying the song.  Mouthful of Diamonds from Eyelid Movies probably got the biggest cheer of the night.  It is probably the best known song from the album and the live version exceeded the album version with the added energy of the crowd.  Is It Lonely started off with Carter taking lead vocals, and he was joined by Barthel for harmony vocals.  The song would not sound out of place in a club, and when all the instruments dropped out Carter ripped off a monster guitar riff and the crowd went nuts.

After a few rocking songs, the down tempo 10,000 Claps provided a much needed break from the frenetic energy built up in the crowd. The sparsely arranged song really provided a chance for Barthel’s vocals to shine.  Set closer When I’m Small whipped the crowd back in to a frenzy.  It’s loud/soft dynamic perfectly encapsulated what the band is shooting for in their sound.  Clubby drums and keys, beautiful vocals and people dancing everywhere.

After a quick break the band came out for their much deserved encore.  The final song, All Dried Up sent everyone out on a high note.  Phantogram definitely on the right path with their sound, which features something for everyone.

Reptar is an up and coming band from college music hotbed Athens, GA.  Their dance rock was very upbeat and they were like a blend of Foster The People and Vampire Weekend.  Their songs are very upbeat, and even people unfamiliar with their music were dancing along with the band by the end of the set.  Reptar was also here for Lollapalooza in August, and they definitely had some fans in the audience due to their set there, as well as a Lollapalooza pre-party at Lincoln Hall.

Openers Exitmusic play dreamy synth-pop music with a bit of dance mixed in.  Their new EP From Silence sounds like a mix of Portishead and Sigur Rós.  The band opened with The Sea from the new EP and it immediately drew the crowd’s attention.  The pounding drums and cymbal crashes brought to mind the ocean.  Overall, the mix of throbbing electro beats, jagged guitar riffs and pulsating drums kept the crowd involved from the get go.  They are not a band to be missed.

Information about the review…
Tour: Phantogram Fall Tour
Bands: Phantogram, Reptar and Exitmusic
Date: October 23, 2011
Venue: The Metro in Chicago, IL