One of the many buzz bands making their Australian debut at this year’s Splendour in the Grass festival are New York duo Phantogram, an electronic outfit who made big waves this year with the release of their sophomore album Voices – in fact, we named it among our best albums of 2014 (so far) earlier this week. Before they head down under, however, they are touring North America, and it just so happened that we were in Quebec City at the same time; the band playing as part of the city’s Summer Festival, Le Festival d’été de Québec. Naturally, I had to head along and see what all the fuss was about.
Electric Youth were playing as I arrived, a synth-laden duo out of Toronto, playing as a quartet, driven by female vocals and a sound that belonged in a John Hughes film. Like they were plucked straight out of the late 80s, electric drum beats and all, the band had great energy, with tracks like “Innocence” proving particularly enjoyable. There do seem to be quite a few bands going for this sound of late, and though Bronwyn is an encouragingly talented frontwoman, I would need a bit more of a taste of the group to see what really sets them apart from the rest.
But it was Phantogram who everyone was here to see, packing out the city’s beautiful Impérial de Québec – a venue, I’m told, that was once a burlesque bar of sorts. Also performing as a four piece, the focus was certainly on the leads – Joshua Carter and Sarah Barthel; the drummer and effects men wearing all black and kept (literally) out of the spotlight. The duo up front, meanwhile, gave off an impressive amount of energy and performed their set to perfection. They’ve got their set down to a tee, essentially playing the same 15 track set every night of this tour, so this is of little surprise; mostly tracks off of Voices with a few favourites off Eyelid Movies and some other gems!
Opening with “Nothing But Trouble”, it was immediately evident that not only were we in for a high energy show, but were being given a great light show along with it. The lights would follow our leads in unison, bouncing off mirrors and pointing from all over the room. Strobes would burst brightly at perfect moments, and Sarah became a rotating shiny disco ball of her own, for the stunning “Bill Murray”. Other highlights from the set included “I Don’t Blame You”, with both leads rocking the guitar (a rare sight) as a well utilized sample pushed the energy up a notch. “Turning Into Stone” was epic, featuring Joshua on primary vocals, with a bit of a Gary Numan-esque swagger, while “Don’t Move” saw Sarah belting into the microphone, giving Alison Mosshart and Emily Haines a run for their money.
Main set closer “When I’m Small” had everyone singing along, as Sarah screamed through the end of the track while her looped vocals reigned in the background. What a note to leave us on – and of course we wanted more. The roar from the crowd was only made more deafening when they returned to the stage, grinning from ear to ear. They indicated that this was their fourth time playing in the city and by far the biggest venue they’d played within it.
True to form, the band played two more tracks to end out the night, “Mouthful of Diamonds” and “Celebrating Nothing”, a heavy track that reminded me of Sleigh Bells before they sent us on our way. A few lighters came out as Sarah sweetly sang into the mic “I’ve got a feeling we’re gonna die”, while on the keys. Then, without warning, they exploded into an epic instrumental that would have done Godspeed! proud. What a set! I have goosebumps just thinking about it…
Now that I’ve seen what all the fuss is about, I can safely say that Phantogram are one of the finest live acts going around right now. Splendour in the Grass festival goers are in for a treat this year… do NOT miss your chance to see Phantogram at the festival, or at their sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne!
——
Phantogram will make their Australian debut as part of the sold out Splendour in the Grass festival later this month. They will also play the following sideshows, supported by Mas Ysa. Tickets are on sale now:
Thurs 24 July – Sydney – Metro Theatre
Fri 25 July – Melbourne – Prince Bandroom
For more from The Summer Festival in Quebec City (Le Festival d’ete de Quebec) keep your eye on the AU and on the event’s hub HERE.
