The history of Phantogram is that of a long lasting friendship, leading on the creative prowess of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter to come to fruition. Forming in New York back in 2007, they can now boast a catalogue of 3 albums, 4 EPs and 10 singles, with a mix of genre influences that creates an overall unique blend that both multiinstrumentalists can produce. 

Pedestal combines airy guitars, fading synths and pure vocals to give a soft, ethereal start, which follows a high energy beat and a fuller blend that creates a huge comparison to the soft beginning. With clever use of stereo to move sound around your ears, you feel completely absorbed by the texture which starts to become hypnotic. The lyrics, as you may expect, reflect the idea of putting someone on a pedestal, and assessing whether ‘that is what you’re supposed to do?’. With a soft, blended middle 8 and dreamy background vocals, this track doesn’t allow you to relax into one part of the grove, it keeps you moving around from section to section, with a repetitive lyric to keep you focused on the dimensions of the song. 

There are really high levels of creativity, musicianship and effective production that set Phantogram out in front of the rest. Pedestal is a clever, high brand blend that will keep you listening intently and feeling gratitude that you found the song. 

 Electronic rock 

Author: Phil Arnold

Phil Arnold is a musician, producer and music reviewer from Devon, in the South West of England. Whilst not writing music reviews, Phil also writes and records under the name of Ugbrooke.