Phantogram - Eyelid Movies

In 2009 the synth-rock duo Phantogram released an addictive 5-track EP that landed the NY band on every watch-list and college radio station in the country. Keyboardist Sarah Barthel and guitarist Joshua Carter have since built a solid fan base opening for the likes of Ra Ra Riot and Yeasayer as well as creating a new genre they call 'street beat psyche pop.' Full of addictive electronic loops and trip-hop beats, the group has been favorably compared to every band from Massive Attack and Metric to Portishead and Sonic Youth. "We wanted to incorporate all our own influences creating our own sound that's a combination of Serge Gainsbourg, sampling and Detroit hip-hop," Barthel often says, "we sound like a combination of Kanye West and Radiohead."

Originally calling themselves Charlie Everywhere, the upstate New York band formed after Barthel returned home following a dissatisfying experience in visual arts school. Working on some song ideas with her childhood friend Joshua Carter, the duo began performing in the Saratoga Springs area on the local label Sub-Bombin Records. The duo quickly became local favorites known for their energetic live performances and psychedelic light shows. Positive reviews lead the band to sign with BBE in early 2009, changing their name to Phantogram and releasing their self-titled EP.



In February 2010 the duo released their first full-lenght album Eyelid Movies to universal praise. Equipped with a guitar, a keyboard and a lap top the duo wrote and recorded the record in a barn 45-min upstate from their home. An extension of their 2009 EP, Eyelid Movies features the hit singles "Mouth Of Diamonds" and "Running From The Cops," the two tracks most responsible for their growing hype last year. With the addition of some newly recorded material Phantogram has created a solid collection of electronic influenced indie rock gems full of spaced-out synths and catchy guitar riffs.

Eyelid Movies starts off strong with the magnetic beat of "Mouthful Of Diamonds," weaving Carter's tranquil guitar riffs with Barthel's silky lyrics. A beautiful song about bad relationships and the willpower to walk away. "The world is not around because of you." Barthel sings, "You know I'm not around because of you." The synthesizer hums in the background complementing her voice without overpowering. Easily one of the best tracks on the album, "Mouthful Of Diamonds" is already in heavy rotation on college radio stations.

Another of my favorite tracks is the vintage flavored "When I'm Small," a mix of upbeat dance and downhearted lyrics. Synth drenched ethereal vocals are layered on top of old-school drum loops and Carter's groovy guitar riff. "Take me underground, take me all the way," Barthel sings, "Bring me to the fire, throw me in the flame." Phantogram's best moments are often when Barthel is allowed to put her voice front and center. "I'd rather die," she continues, "I'd rather die than to be with you." Carter takes lead vocals on several tracks as well, such as the synth heavy "Running From The Cops," but to be honest his wavering distorted delivery pales in comparison to Barthel's sultry voice.

There are plenty of great songs on this album, ranging from the wavering synth of "Let Me Go" to the electro-soul "As Far As I Can See." While rough around the edges, Phantogram has a nice vintage quality to their records that never feels over produced. The album ends with the slow-burning "10,000 Claps" a beautifully strange track combining light piano, warbling tones and audience applause as surface noise. A great debut from two incredibly talented musicians, Eyelid Movies is perfect for jaded electro and indie rock fans who have been complaining about the lack of quality in the genres.

Phantogram is currently touring the country with a stop at the Canopy Club in Urbana, IL on Saturday, April 17th opening for the Antlers.

The Black Keys "Everywhere I Go" 3-20-10

Dan Auerback and Patrick Carney of The Black Keys owned Austin last Saturday afternoon as they played their one and only SXSW show at MOG's Unofficial Day Party at Mohawk. The duo were in perfect form as they played their own brand of heavy blues rock to the packed courtyard. Fresh on the news of a new album in the works, the Keys ran through a set list of hit songs that spanned their entire career while the crowd understandably went nuts.

Broken Bells "The High Road" 3-20-10

A late addition to MOG's Unofficial SXSW Party, Broken Bells went on stage backed by a full band allowing Danger Mouse to bounce between the drums, bass and keyboard throughout the show. Along with Shins' frontman James Mercer, the group put on a great live show that perfectly captured the chemistry found on their debut album. For a band only a few months old they seem to have their stage show down. With all the positive buzz it won't be long before they hit the road on a national tour.

Broken Bells "Mongrel Heart" 3-20-10

"Hello, and welcome to Portland, Oregon," James Mercer joked as he and Danger Mouse greeted the frozen crowd at MOG's Unofficial Party on the final day of SXSW. The strange weather wasn't enough to stop hundreds of excited fans from converging on Mohawk early Saturday morning for a chance to see several amazing bands. The newly formed super group Broken Bells played several songs from their self-titled debut album including "Mongrel Heart." Enjoy!

MOG's SXSW Party at Mohawk - March 20, 2010

With a line-up featuring Broken Bells and The Black Keys, MOG's unofficial SXSW Party was the place to be Saturday afternoon in Austin. Despite the overnight drop in temperature I arrived at Mohawk to fine a quickly growing line of about 300+ shivering but excited people huddled together outside the bar. Spirits were still high an hour later as the crowd slowly entered the small courtyard where the Philadelphia band Free Energy was about to begin their set. I didn't know it at the time but this was going to be the best concert I would attend during my time in Austin, and arguably the best concert I have EVER been too so far.

The show started with a bang as Free Energy launched into their set. Jumping around on stage the band entertained with a collection of karate kicks, drumstick twirls and ham-fisted lyrics. "We're breaking out this time, making out with the wind this time," frontman Paul Sprangers sings, "and I'm so disconnected, I'm never gonna check back in." Like a strange Cheap Trick/Spoon love-child, Free Energy embrace all the cliches of 70s glam-rock while still giving their music a modern indie-rock edge. With songs like "Hope Child" and the catchy "Bang Pop" its only a matter of time before Free Energy invade mainstream radio stations nationwide. The group ended their show on a high note handing out free cassette tapes of their new debut album, Stuck On Nothing, to the excited but frozen crowd.

Next on stage was the strange super group Demolished Thoughts, a hilarious combination of hardcore punk sprinkled with comedic one-liners. "We need a place to crash tonight", Frontman Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth told the crowd in-between songs, "we'll be in the van in the back later tonight." The crowd began to mosh as the band shot off dozens of silly 45-second songs with names like "I Hate Kids" and "I Hate Sports," complete with matching lyrics. Formed as a side project with J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. and Andrew WK, Moore describes the group as a punk/hardcore tribute band. On this particular event Jonah Falco of Toronto band F--ed Up played bass for the missing Andrew WK and Moore took over vocals.

The James Mercer/Danger Mouse super group Broken Bells took the stage next backed by a full supporting band. Seriously this show was a treat for all music fans as Brian Burton, aka Danger Mouse, stepped away from the soundboards to jump between drums, bass and keyboard on various songs. "What amounts to a dream anymore," Mercer chimed on "Vaporize", "A crude device; A veil on our eyes." The chemistry onstage was perfect despite this only being Broken Bells sixth ever live performance. The group covered many of the tracks from their debut album including "The High Road," The Ghost Inside" and the uptempo psych-rock jam "Mongrel Heart." The highlight however was the synth accompanied "The Mall and the Misery," one of my favorite tracks from their self-titled album.

The Brooklyn indie-pop trio The Antlers were up next with a sound system so powerful my internal organs vibrated with every note. Known for soft keyboards and a very mellow sound on their albums I was surprised how much The Antlers rocked live. The band kicked it to eleven with screaming effect-heavy guitars, overlaying keyboards and hammering drums. While most of their songs call for delicate artistry what the crowd ended up with was a pulverizing wall of sound and feedback. The most dramatic shift from album to live performance I have ever seen, if The Antlers put out a live record in the near future I would pick it up in a heart beat.

Finally, what I consider the best show of the week, The Black Keys took the stage to play their one and only SXSW performance. The crowd surged forward as drummer Patrick Carney and guitarist/singer Dan Auerbach filled the courtyard with their classic blues-heavy sound. Covering the gamut of their entire career, the band played many of the songs that have made them world famous. Like a best of hit list they ran through personal favorites such as "Strange Times," "Stack Shot Billy," "Your Touch" and one from their very first album "The Breaks." The place was completely packed as people crammed into every corner of the bar trying to catch a glimpse of the Ohio band. The music even pulled in celebrities such as Mary-Louise Parker who was seen rocking out next to the stage with James Mercer and Danger Mouse who stayed behind for the show. I've been to a lot of concerts over the years but I have to say, hands down, this one takes the cake.

There is more video from the Broken Bells and Black Keys sets on YouTube, the show was so great that anyone with a recording device probably got some footage.

21st Street Co-op - March 19, 2010

After a day spent bouncing through event parties and bars the decision was made to go off the beaten path for Friday nights activities. Word had gotten around about a show at the 21st Street Co-op on the University of Texas campus featuring Ume, one of my favorite Texas bands. Located just a few blocks away from Guadalupe Street, aka the Drag, the student housing building resembles a giant tree house.

Crisscrossing staircases and balconies lead to a smokey dark room where a large group of coeds were gathered as the band ZORG finished their set. "This next song is very dark," they told the crowd, "if you have pot on you now would be a good time to smoke up." Hazy air with a hint of cannabis filled the room as the crowd were mesmerized by the heavy beats and trippy light show of the two man psychedelic rock group. One of the more bizarre performances of the trip I was almost sorry when the set was over and lights flooded the room. The crowd scattered in search of beer and food as the next band set up their instruments.

Wires covered the stage as the Austin trio Ume - Lauren Larson, Eric Larson and Jeff Barrera - started their scorching set. A band of few words, Lauren gave a quick "We're Ume" before jumping straight into the music. Hypnotic rock hooks paired with moments of static drenched guitar noise, what more do you need? Ume played a mix of old and new songs for the crowd including the fan favorite "Conductor" from their Sunshower EP. The new tracks were a pleasant surprise leaving me hopeful for a new album in the near future.

Pronounced 'ooo-may' the threesome has been an Austin favorite ever since the band moved to the area back in 2007, quickly becoming known for their heavy live shows as well as Lauren's lush vocals and her ferocious flailing guitar riffs. Forged in the fires of the the punk/grindcore scene Lauren is a ball of energy on stage, jumping and dancing to the music all the time trashing on her guitar. Almost every photo taken at their shows are branded with a golden blonde blur as their front-woman's hair is tossed around while she rocks out. It is a true spectacle to behold, even more so when you consider the fact that her fingers never miss a chord.

There is some video from Ume's set on YouTube but the audio isn't the best. I think I was standing way too close to the right speaker tower. Might also explain why I've been hearing a high pitched buzzing sound for the last week. Oh well, sometimes music involves sacrifice.

Showdown at Cedar Street - March 19, 2010

My second day in Austin presented me with plenty of sunshine, beautiful scenery and a overwhelming amount of epic events and free parties to choose from. Seriously the pure amount of jaw-dropping-amazing bands performing in the city is enough to give a music enthusiast like myself a panic attack. On this particular day in Texas my first destination was the FILTER Magazine SXSW Showcase entitled Showdown at Cedar Street, an event spanning three days of free BBQ and amazing live music. I was hitting day two of this event and by the line outside it was quite clear that word had gotten out about the massive music-gasm about to take place.

Admittance was first come first serve and while the line did go around the block the wait wasn't long and I was inside before the packed courtyard was at capacity. Those who made it late crowded along the fence outside the courtyard straining to get a glimpse inside as the first band began to set-up. The air was electric as everyone prepared themselves for one hell of a day full of live music. Seven amazing bands, in one place, back to back - it was clear to everyone this was the place to be that afternoon.

The first artist to take the stage was Nneka (pronounced 'Neck-uh'), a Nigerian-born singer with a bit of soul, hip-hop and reggae all mixed together with a splash of Bob Marly thrown in for good measure. I hadn't heard her music before, but after one song I was hooked. Cited as an artist with a "heart as big as her afro," Nneka has apparently been building buzz all over the country due to word of mouth and the intensity of her live performances. Since the release of her US debut album, Concrete Jungle, Nneka has made a lot of press including mentions in Rolling Stone, SPIN and being chosen as one of Beyond Race Magazine's 50 Emerging Artists. Her writing has also gained critical praise for covering issues such as capitalism, poverty and war in her home of Nigeria and Western Europe. As she puts it herself: "I do it in a sweet way - but I sing to speak the truth."


The UK rock trio Band of Skulls took the stage next with a powerful set from their amazing debut album, Baby Darling Doll Face Honey. If you haven't heard this album yet you are doing yourself a serious disservice as it is easily one of the best releases of 2009. With instant classic like "Fires," "Patterns" and the amazing ballad "Cold Fame" this album is a must have. While their name congers up images of a really bad black metal band trust me when I say they far from it. BOS is pure infectious rock-n-roll highlighted with bluesy guitar riffs, the great duel-vocal play of guitarist Russell Marsden and bassest Emma Richardson and the pounding punch of drummer Matt Heyward. Formed only two years ago BOS are on the verge of world wide stardom after a successful national tour as well as landing the track "Friends" on the Twilight - New Moon Soundtrack. I caught these guys in STL last year where they put on a scorching show so my expectations for this performance were really high. Of course BOS didn't disappoint as they attacked the audience for near 30-min with a wall of sound built by amazing vocals, infectious guitar riffs and an head pounding drum beat. It's scary to think this will end up being only #3 on my top 10 list of best performances that week, but the best - as they say - is yet to come.


The third band to grace the stage was none other than Delta Spirit, a San Diego based group with a mix of folk, soul and southern rock. A favorite on college radio stations, Lead singer Matthew Vasquez had the crowd swaying and singing along with the lyrics. "If you're feeling what I'm feeling, c'mon," Vasquez sang, "all you soul-serarching people, c'mon!" the crowd replied. The energy level in the audience spiked as the band bounced around the stage with smiles on their faces as they shuffled through several of their hit songs. Known for their catchy and contagious melodies, DS is often referred to as a "hybrid of rock and northern soul" creating a alt-country style that goes well with their spiritual-infused pop lyrics.

The music kept on flowing with The Temper Trap, an Australian outfit that has built insane amounts of buzz after landing on the 500 Days of Summer Soundtrack as well as the TV shows Greek and One Tree Hill. In fact you could actually see the girls in the crowd swoon as the first notes of "Sweet Disposition" began to dance on the air. The band went on to play many of their hits from their debut album, Conditions, including the pulsing base of "Resurrection" and the instrumental "Drums." Describing themselves as "soul-jazz exploration," Temper Trap is known for their atmospheric sound, grandiose guitar riffs and lead singer Dougie Mandagi's incredible vocal range. Comparisons to Coldplay and U2 are justly deserved as these Ausies put on one hell of a show.


Finally, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club took the stage for a short set featuring some of their fan favorite hits as well as the title track "Beat The Devils Tattoo" from their new album. The guys were joined by Raveonettes' touring drummer Leah Shapiro who replaced Nick Jago in 2008. I'll be complete honest in that I had totally forgotten about Jango leaving and was a bit surprised and confused by the cute girl sitting behind the drums wearing thick black sunglasses. However, Shapiro has no problem keeping up with the boys and makes a great addition to the band dealing out the heavy beat that has come to characterized BRMC. The band sounded great but there was a sense of urgency in their set that felt rushed giving me the impression that the guys felt they had better places to be. I love BRMC but it was a strange transition from the enthusiastic smiling faces of Delta Spirit and Temper Trap to the relatively pissed off looking BRMC. Oh well, I suppose short and sweet is better than no performance at all.

At that point in the day I was physically and mentally exhausted and in need of food, water and a comfortable chair. After all there is only so much mind blowing music one can take in one gulp, and only so much standing in the sun you can do in seven hours. With regret I took my leave of FILTER Magazine in search of someplace to regroup and rehydrate. Little did I know that soon after my departure from Cedar Street Courtyard indie-rockers Local Natives and Dr. Dog both put on amazing shows clocking in at around 40-min each. Sa la vie.