BROOKLYN, NY – Dynamic best friends Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter, the powerhouse duo behind PHANTOGRAM, made a triumphant return to their New York roots, gracing the historically breathtaking Brooklyn Paramount venue as part of their highly praised Running Through Colors tour. With 15 years of musical evolution under their belt, the indie rock/electro-pop trailblazers continue to captivate fans with their hypnotic beats, rich sonic textures, and deeply nostalgic lyrics that resonate on a profound level. Phantogram is currently touring in celebration of their fifth studio album, Memory of a Day, released on October 18, 2024.
Their latest album has garnered strong critical acclaim, with The Tennessean noting that it “brings to the forefront one of the duo’s best qualities: their unpredictability… Every song on the new record pushes the boundaries of pop music as we know it, leaving listeners absorbed in otherworldly synths, attention-commanding beats, hazy guitar, and lush, compelling vocals.”
Additionally, Top Shelf Music praised the album’s emotional depth, stating, “Out via Neon Gold Records, Phantogram’s Memory of a Day spans the full scope of human emotion — highlighting hope, despair, anger, confusion. It traverses the line between reality and disillusionment.”
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With the help of their tour opener, Meija (an anagram of Jamie), the sold-out crowd quickly packed the venue to the brim. While you may not be familiar with Meija yet, he’s no stranger to the music industry. The artist behind the name is Jamie Sierota, best known for his work in the sibling-led band Echosmith.
Now stepping out as a solo act, Meija is carving out a fresh identity with his indie synth-pop sound, experimental instrumentation, and the ability to transform everyday lyrics into something poetic. His musical talent and deep passion for storytelling were evident throughout his performance, as he naturally and consistently engaged with the audience. His latest album, There’s Always Something, is a reflection of his evolution—and judging by the crowd’s response, his reinvention is paying off.
Follow Meija on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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The wait was finally over. As the stage buzzed with atmospheric fog and flickering lights, Phantogram graced the stage with an absolutely flawless intro, kicking things off with “Jealousy,” “Don’t Move,” and “Fall in Love” in quick succession before greeting their dedicated fans. “Jealousy,” the opening track from their latest album, sets the tone perfectly—coming in strong and never easing up. The energy continued with the next two songs—”Don’t Move” and “Fall in Love,” which are personal favorites of mine, both taken from Nightlife and Voices, respectively. These albums hold such a special place in my heart, as they were on relentless repeat during my high school and college years.
As native New Yorkers, Sarah and Josh were especially excited to perform at the iconic Brooklyn Paramount, sharing the moment with their fans—and even having their families in the crowd, making the experience all the more personal and meaningful. The duo nailed their setlist, perfectly alternating between fresh new tracks and beloved classics. We were treated to new hits like “Feedback Invisible,” “Attaway,” and “It Wasn’t Meant to Be”, the latter of which Josh described as his favorite from their latest album. But Phantogram didn’t forget their roots, bringing the house down with timeless fan favorites like “Mouthful of Diamonds” and “You Are the Ocean.”
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Both Sarah and Josh took meaningful and funny moments to engage with the audience, reflecting on their 15-year-long unbreakable friendship and partnership. Their discography spans over a decade, with each album retaining that signature Phantogram sound while also evolving with every release. I was completely blown away by the setlist—it almost felt like it was curated just for me as a fan. And that’s a testament to Phantogram’s incredible catalog and their meticulous attention to detail when crafting a show that delivers for the audience while keeping the energy at a constant high. The lighting design was flawless, perfectly complementing each song and enhancing the visual experience.
As the second half of the concert kicked in, the energy never dipped. And then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. With the hard-hitting, dramatic crescendo intro of “Black Out Days,” notably their most recognized song, the crowd erupted, singing every word as if they were part of the band. The momentum carried straight into “Come Alive” from their latest album, which echoed the same powerful energy as its predecessor.
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Phantogram balanced the new and the nostalgic flawlessly, and while this was a tour to celebrate their latest album, Sarah and Josh didn’t hesitate to take us on a trip down memory lane. They wrapped up their perfect 90-minute set with two unforgettable tracks: the high-energy anthem “You Don’t Get Me High Anymore” and the quintessential Phantogram song, “When I’m Small.” By then, the energy and emotion radiating from Sarah and Josh was more intense than ever—they were undeniably in their element, and the audience could feel it with every beat.
With this performance, Phantogram proved once again why they remain one of indie-electronic’s most dynamic duos. Over the years, they have pushed the boundaries of their sound, seamlessly blending electronic, rock, and hip-hop influences into something uniquely their own. Their ability to craft emotionally immersive, sonically expansive music is only heightened in a live setting, where their chemistry and energy are palpable.
Do yourself a favor—check out Phantogram’s latest album, Memory of a Day, available everywhere now. And if they’re stopping in a city near you, do not miss the chance to see them live. This is a band that knows how to put on a show, and they’re only getting better with time.
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LIVE CLIPS
