Phantogram at House of Blues, Anaheim
On Thursday night, fans packed the House of Blues in Anaheim, CA for Phantogram, the acclaimed electro-pop duo comprised of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter. Known for their dreamy synths and infectious melodies, Phantogram has been captivating audiences for over a decade. With breakout hits like "When I'm Small" and "Fall in Love," they solidified their place in the music scene and continue to draw in listeners with their evolving sound. Currently touring and releasing fresh music, Phantogram's vibrant energy and artistry remain as dynamic as ever, and we had the privilege of experiencing their performance up close.
The House of Blues was packed with eager fans, all anxiously awaiting Phantogram's arrival on stage. Cheers erupted as the lights dimmed and the deep tremble of heavy bass reverberated through the venue, marking Phantogram's entrance onto the stage. Just as the song was about to kick off, an unexpected technical issue paused the performance. Fans rallied with cheers of encouragement, their excitement only growing as the crew worked to resolve the problem. Suddenly, the music surged back to life, and the audience erupted with energy, jumping with excitement as the song, "Jealousy" filled the air.
Phantogram’s performance was a masterclass in contrast, weaving together moody, atmospheric textures with bursts of energy. Josh Carter’s raw guitar riffs sliced through with a ferocity that demanded attention, while Sarah Barthel’s emotive and airy vocals added a layer of fragile depth. The flow of the set alternated between somber, hypnotic moments and peaks of intensity, with the audience mirroring the highs and lows.
The duo delivered a diverse yet balanced setlist, featuring tracks from across their discography, including highlights from their latest album, Memory of a Day. The audience sang along to every word, a testament to the album's impact and the band's enduring appeal. For the encore, Phantogram treated fans to a trio of standout songs: "Glowing," "You Don't Get Me High Anymore," and the timeless favorite, "When I'm Small." The setlist hit all the right notes, deeply resonating with the audience. By the end of the night, the connection between band and fans was palpable and lingered long after the final note.
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Photos by Lily O.
