CD of The Week

Phantogram - Memory Of A Day (Neon Gold / Avenue A)

Phantogram’s Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter actually met in preschool, but it wasn’t until a reunion after high school that led to their collaboration as musicians. Originally known as Charlie Everywhere, they released two self-produced EPs before settling on the name Phantogram in 2009; the name itself is defined as an optical illusion in which two-dimensional images appear to be three-dimensional, which resonated with the band members. After four albums, several EPs, and notable collabs with Big Boi, The Flaming Lips, and Tom Morello, they’ve just released their fifth album Memory Of A Day. Fans of the group will immediately recognize and relish their brand of dreamy, psychedelic electro-pop and trip-hop. Further evaluations will foster some surprises, but also a few disappointments.

Sonically, the record leaps out of the gate with the bold rhythm of “Jealousy,” indicative of what you’d expect from Phantogram. Unfortunately, it doesn’t do much else, ending quickly; a little lackluster for an album opener. Thankfully, “It Wasn’t Meant To Be” keeps up the pace, reworking an older song idea into a bumpin’ track with a little more substance, highlighting a volatile relationship that was doomed from the start, comparing it to the infamous Sid & Nancy. “Feedback Invisible” utilizes a lot of live percussion and is influenced by NYC post-punk grooves, while “Running Through Colors” is propelled by a driving bass line that harkens back to early tracks.

“I Wanna Know” and “Ashes” are a little stale and were notated by the band as having lyrics that started out as gibberish before becoming actual songs. However, the last four songs close out the record with some very notable hooks, including one of the highlights, single “Happy Again.” Heavily influenced by both old soul records and synth acts from the 80s, Sarah pines for better days that she hopes are ahead. Whether it be from societal or relationship ills, we’re all “Looking for the day, When I can be happy again.” Words that ring true more than ever nowadays. The album closes with the beautifully sad title track and features vocals from both Josh and Sarah. Written from the perspective of Josh’s dog that had to be put down, it gets you in all the feels. 

Overall, there are some great tracks that fall right in line with bangers like “You Don’t Get Me High Anymore” from Three but a few spots fall a little flat and repetitive, feeling like the album was rushed. Co-produced with Grammy winner John Hill (Santigold, Cage The Elephant), known for many indie-pop and alternative acts with electronic vibes, the production is both crisp and fuzzy when appropriate. Memory Of A Day adds more fresh soundscapes to their oeuvre while also showing the potential for development on future projects. 

Don’t miss Phantogram when they return to Philadelphia at The Fillmore on February 8th, 2025.
Review by Dave Lindquist