And this is nothing new/It’s just the same old blues sings Sarah Barthel on the fourth (out of six, huh) single, Same Old Blues. In the context of the duo’s own output, it’s not exactly accurate. Three takes a more mainstream approach, but at the same time it’s clear that Phantogram stay true to themselves.
Take the lead single, You Don’t Get Me High Anymore, as an example. It has a great melody and a bigger-then-ever chorus, and yet both the synthline and bassline are quite typical to Phantogram. Barthel and Carter successfully blend and explore new things and themes onto the record, such as analog sounds (Same Old Blues, Answer) or just moodiness or even darkness (Funeral Pyre, Barking Dog, Answer).
Three is a natural step forward. The New York duo are on the right path to find their own sound, if they did not already. Sure, it may not be as cohesive as, say, Voices or some moments may not be well-thought, but this is another solid release under their belt. Memorable hooks and great instrumentation are what makes their music great.
3.5 / 5