On a crisp evening in Atlanta, The Tabernacle played host to Phantogram as part of their Running Through Colors Tour, where the duo presented not only their potent mix of dream-pop, electro-synth, and indie-rock but also celebrated the release of their fifth studio album, Memory of a Day. The iconic venue, with its soaring ceilings and intimate yet expansive atmosphere, proved to be the perfect setting for a show that was both visually and sonically immersive. The room, packed to the brim, was a testament to the loyal following Phantogram has cultivated since their early days.
Phantogram, originally formed in 2007 by multi-instrumentalists Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter, has always embodied a unique blend of ethereal vocals and intricate beats. Their sound, which has evolved over the years, first caught the public’s ear with tracks like “Mouthful of Diamonds” from their 2009 EP Phantogram and “When I’m Small” from their 2010 full-length Eyelid Movies. Since then, they’ve consistently delivered albums that stretch the boundaries of alternative music, and Memory of a Day is no exception. This latest work continues to explore the balance between dreamy atmospherics and hard-hitting rhythms, embracing a sonic maturity that feels both personal and expansive.
The show kicked off with a surge of anticipation as the lights dimmed, and the crowd surged closer to the stage. The band’s sound has always been defined by its heavy use of reverb, crisp electronics, and sharp, mesmerizing beats, and that same intensity was present throughout the evening. Barthel, with her striking presence, stood at the forefront with a commanding energy that mirrored her impressive vocal prowess. Dressed in a leather jacket emblazoned with the band’s name across the back and knee-high, heeled leather boots, she exuded a rockstar cool that only heightened the sense of anticipation. The combination of her poised confidence and raw performance created an enigmatic aura that seemed to both captivate and mystify.
From the very first song, the crowd was enveloped in a haze of deep, pulsating beats. The heavy use of smoke, combined with the venue’s already dim lighting, bathed the stage in an eerie atmosphere, with flashes of Barthel and Carter emerging from the shadows in a deliberate, almost cinematic way. The lighting, consisting of sharp bursts of color and soft glows, underscored the ethereal quality of the band’s music while drawing attention to the subtle interplay between the two performers. It was as if Phantogram purposely shrouded themselves in mystery, allowing the audience to be drawn not just into the visual performance, but into the feeling and mood that their music evoked.
Carter, the other half of the band, was equally captivating in his own right. The multi-instrumentalist is as adept at creating complex layers of synths and loops as he is at playing guitar, bass, and percussion live, often switching between instruments with seamless ease. The sonic texture of the music relies heavily on this versatility, as Carter expertly crafts electronic backdrops while Barthel’s vocals soar. Their ability to work in tandem, exchanging looks and cues onstage, made it clear just how tight-knit the duo has become over their years of collaboration.
The setlist was a masterful blend of old and new tracks, with the most notable nods to Memory of a Day, including the ethereal title track and the darkly hypnotic “Black Out Days.” The new material felt as though it meshed seamlessly with older fan favorites, such as “Fall in Love” and “You Don’t Get Me High Anymore.” These selections were amplified by the venue’s acoustics, where the reverberation of bass-heavy beats combined with the ambient highs to create a near-hypnotic experience. As the night progressed, the crowd moved in sync with the rhythms, their enthusiasm palpable as they danced and sang along with every song.
Sarah’s ability to convey emotion through her delivery, from haunting whispers to powerful crescendos, added a layer of intimacy that made the night feel personal, even in the expansive environment of The Tabernacle. At times, her vocal acrobatics seemed to both guide and challenge the audience, pulling them deeper into the musical landscape Phantogram had crafted.
As the final notes echoed through the venue, the energy of the crowd remained electric, a reflection of the undeniable chemistry between Phantogram and their loyal fans. The performance was a triumph, showcasing the band’s growth from their early days to their present moment, balancing their well-established sound with fresh and exciting new directions. The mixture of atmospheric effects, tightly constructed musicality, and undeniable stage presence made the show unforgettable. Whether through the hazy smoke, the flashes of neon light, or the dark, evocative mood, Phantogram’s Running Through Colors tour stop in Atlanta was a celebration of their sonic evolution and an unforgettable testament to their artistry.
LoudSound Magazine 
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