Show: Phantogram
Date: February 22, 2014
Venue: Hollywood Palladium
City: Los Angeles, CA
Phantogram
Photos by Nicolas Bates
Written by Dan Sinclair
Your humble writer never realized how shady he looked until asked by several fans how much he was selling tickets for while standing outside the Palladium. One desperate, dedicated Phantogram fan offered to buy my drinks for the night in exchange for getting her on “the list.” Oh, you poor girl. You have no idea just how little clout this sad writer has. He couldn’t get on a grocery list.
Not sure if she ever got in or not, but Adrian Grenier sure did. Vinny Chase and his lady friend hurried past me to the VIP section upstairs. Didn’t see any entourages though.
The show starts with the very moody, psychedelic “Intro” as Sarah Barthel takes her spot by keyboards and Josh Carter picks up his guitar. The duo is joined by drummer Chris Carhart and Nick Shelestak, who plays a few instruments including keyboard. The different colored lights start to dance and the writer is reminded just how on-point the sights and sounds are for an electronic show here at the Palladium.
Barthel sings and plays the tambourine over a steady drum beat for “Nothing but Trouble” as Carter continues to whale out his psychedelic guitar riffs. Much of the dance floor slowly starts to sway back and forth, gradually coming to the realization that the show has finally started.
A drum beat starts, then suddenly stops. Then it comes in again for “Running from the Cops.” Barthel loses her black jacket, revealing a tiny, partially see-through black tube top to match her tight-fitting black leather pants. She gives a few sexy “Oohs” before Carter takes over the vocals on this one. From where the writer stands, his clothing appears to much more loose-fitting than hers.
On “As Far as I Can See” both singers walk around on stage, both equally demonstrating their best musical talents, Carter on his guitar and Barthel with her vocal chords. The song ends to loud cheers from the crowd who have finally come to life.
Barthel is thrilled with the response. “Los Angeles, oh, shit! This is insane, how nice!” She then explains that Phantogram has a new album called Voices and tonight is the first stop on their very first world tour. They then go into “Black Out Days” and the place goes absolutely nuts. People jump up and down, pumping their hands in the air during the chorus.
Carter takes over vocals again for “Turning Into Stone” as Barthel gets down on her keyboard. It’s quite fascinating how her awkward gyrations can look so passionate and sexy as she plays her keys.
Some drunk dude yells to another drunk dude, “I fucking love this band” during “Bad Dreams.” Then they dance with some equally drunk ladies who are just as awful dancers as they are. But they’re not alone as the majority of tonight’s attendees lack the proper coordination to move with the tight beats and rhythms Phantogram kicks out loudly from the stage.
“Don’t Move” and “The Day You Died” come next, then Barthel introduces a downer in “Bill Murray.” She explains “Bill’s a great actor, but this is a sad song.”
During “I Don’t Blame You” the guy next to me taps me on the shoulder. Though he’s shouting, it comes out as a whisper over the bass and drums blaring from up front. He asks me if Carter is wearing a mask and then yells, “Fuck!” when I give him the bad news that Carter’s face is bare.
All go crazy again for “Falling in Love.” Barthel jokes, “I hear they play that song out here.” She then explains that Carter actually wrote the beat for a long time prior in hopes that Jay-Z would someday rap over it. She adds, “Fuck no! Sorry, Jay-Z!”
Then the play “Howling at the Moon” before closing the set out with “When I’m Small.” It’s easily the best song of the night. Phantogram then leaves the stage without a word, as none are needed.
Coming out for the encore, an emphatic Barthel proclaims, “You’re so beautiful, L.A. Every fucking time you bring it!” They then treat those who always bring it to “Mouthful of Diamonds,” “Celebrating Nothing” and “Futuristic Casket.”
And judging by the looks on the faces leaving the Palladium, it seems the world is in for a hell of a tour.