Black Out Days

“Black Out Days” is a song by the American electronic rock duo Phantogram, composed of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter. The track was first introduced on their 2013 self-titled EP Phantogram and later featured as a standout song on their second studio album, Voices (2014). This album marked a significant moment in the band’s career, gaining them mainstream recognition and showcasing their signature blend of electronic, rock, and trip-hop influences.

The song is known for its dark, moody atmosphere, which combines pulsing synths, distorted guitar layers, and hypnotic beats to create a sense of urgency and intensity. Sarah Barthel’s ethereal yet powerful vocals elevate the track, expressing themes of detachment, emotional exhaustion, and the need to escape overwhelming thoughts. The driving percussion and deep bassline make the song feel relentless, mirroring the internal struggle depicted in the lyrics.

Lyrically, “Black Out Days” speaks to a sense of isolation and emotional numbness. The phrase “blackout days” may symbolize periods of mental fog, depression, or emotional detachment, where the narrator tries to shut out painful memories or toxic influences. Lines like “I’m hearing voices all the time” suggest an internal battle, possibly with anxiety or intrusive thoughts. The repeated phrase “Stay away from me” reinforces the desire for solitude and self-preservation.

The song gained widespread popularity due to its inclusion in various media, further solidifying Phantogram’s place in the alternative and electronic music scene. “Black Out Days” has been featured in multiple TV shows, movies, commercials, and video game soundtracks. Its haunting yet energetic sound made it a perfect fit for dramatic and intense visual storytelling.

Musically, “Black Out Days” encapsulates Phantogram’s signature style, which blends indie rock, electronic music, and trip-hop elements. The track’s hypnotic quality, paired with emotionally raw lyrics, allows it to resonate with listeners who have experienced moments of disconnection or emotional burnout. It remains one of the band’s most recognizable and celebrated songs, showcasing their ability to craft immersive and emotionally compelling music.

Overall, “Black Out Days” is an anthem of struggle, resilience, and the push-and-pull between wanting to escape but feeling trapped by one’s own thoughts. Its powerful production, introspective lyrics, and haunting melodies make it a defining track in Phantogram’s discography, earning it a lasting impact in alternative music.

“Black Out Days” by Phantogram is a deeply atmospheric song that conveys themes of mental exhaustion, isolation, and the desperate need to escape from overwhelming emotions. The lyrics suggest a narrator who is haunted by memories, intrusive thoughts, or external pressures, leading them to seek detachment from the chaos surrounding them.

Lines like “Stay away from me” and “I’m hearing voices all the time” suggest a state of distress, possibly alluding to anxiety, paranoia, or the lingering effects of a toxic relationship. The repetitive nature of the lyrics reinforces a sense of being trapped in one’s own mind, unable to fully escape or find peace. The phrase “blackout days” itself could symbolize emotional numbness—periods where the narrator shuts down completely, either as a defense mechanism or due to sheer exhaustion.

Musically, the song’s pulsating beats, distorted synths, and Sarah Barthel’s ethereal vocals create a hypnotic, almost surreal atmosphere. The production mirrors the lyrics, pulling listeners into a world that feels both dreamlike and unsettling. The contrast between the energetic instrumentation and melancholic lyrics adds to the song’s emotional weight, making it feel both urgent and introspective.

In a broader sense, “Black Out Days” can resonate with anyone who has experienced burnout, emotional detachment, or the need to distance themselves from negativity. It’s a song about survival—about pushing through the noise in one’s mind and trying to regain control, even when the weight of the world feels unbearable.