Their music blends elements of electronic rock, dream pop, trip-hop, and psych-pop, characterized by swirling guitars, spacey keyboards, and airy vocals. They describe their sound as “street beat, psych pop,” drawing inspiration from artists like the Beatles, David Bowie, Cocteau Twins, J Dilla, and Prince.
Phantogram’s discography includes several studio albums: Eyelid Movies (2010), Voices (2014), Three (2016), Ceremony (2020), and Memory of a Day (2024). Their debut album, Eyelid Movies, introduced their signature blend of electronic and rock elements. Voices marked a transition to a more polished sound, featuring the hit single “Fall in Love.” Three delved into darker themes, influenced by personal losses, including the death of Barthel’s sister. Ceremony showcased a shift towards a more bombastic pop sound, while Memory of a Day was inspired by the COVID-19 lockdown and their rural upbringing, pushing the boundaries of pop music with lush synths and compelling vocals.
Beyond their albums, Phantogram has collaborated with artists like Big Boi of Outkast, forming the supergroup Big Grams, and contributing to projects such as the “Welcome to Los Santos” album tied to the video game Grand Theft Auto V. Known for their dynamic live performances, they have graced major festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Bonnaroo, and have opened for acts including M83, Alt-J, and Muse.
