Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter met way back in preschool with their paths crossing again in 2007, when the two joined forces and started making music under the name Charlie Everywhere. In 2009, they found their own unique sound- a mix of electronic rock and dream pop, blending gritty beats with atmospheric melodies, and changed their name to Phantogram. Today, they’ve dropped their fifth studio album Memory Of A Day, which sees them leaning even more into their electronic pop side. The album creates a rich, atmospheric soundscape that feels incredibly cinematic and immersive. While some tracks do tend to blur together at points, overall, it’s a polished and visually evocative body of work.
The album opens with “Jealousy,” which, while it is a great piece of work, doesn’t quite have the punch you might expect from an opener. It settles into a repetitive groove without delivering the energy to really kick things off. Thankfully, “It Wasn’t Meant To Be” comes in to lift the pace, with its infectious melody and fun, upbeat vibe. The synths here are bright, and Barthel’s vocals shine, making it clear why this was picked as the lead single—it’s got the kind of energy that defines Phantogram’s sound.
As things slow down a bit, “All A Mystery” brings a more dramatic, 80s rock ballad feel. It’s one of the more cinematic moments on the album, with an a cappella pre-chorus that bursts into a powerful chorus. The emotional build here is particularly striking. “Feedback Invisible” shifts gears with Carter taking the lead on vocals, which is a nice refresh. While it starts strong, the track lacks the dynamic push seen in other parts of the album, leaving it feeling a little flat.
“Attaway” is a definite standout, with a gradual build that leads to a peak moment—it’s one of those tracks that gives you goosebumps. The way it strips back towards the end with an abrupt finish is particularly effective. “Running Through Colors” continues this momentum with a bold, confident sound right from the start, delivering another solid dose of Phantogram’s electronic pop magic.
“I Wanna Know” is one of the album’s more interesting tracks, with vocals that are a little more on the grungy/unpolished side, very reminiscent of Kate Bush. The eerie, atmospheric synths give it an almost dreamlike quality, and it lingers with you even after it’s over. On the flip side, tracks like “Ashes” and “Come Alive” are fine, but they don’t leave much of a lasting impression, carrying the album’s energy without really pushing any boundaries.
In the album’s final stretch, “Happy Again” brings in a more rock-influenced sound with strong drum work, providing a much-needed lift late in the album. It’s the kind of track that feels perfect for a dramatic moment in a TV show, full of energy and emotion. Finally, the title track “Memory Of A Day” wraps things up beautifully. Both Barthel and Carter’s vocals weave together, adding an acoustic element that gives the song warmth and emotional depth. It’s a fitting finale, bringing the album to a reflective and satisfying close.
Memory Of A Day is an album that knows exactly what it’s going for—a rich, immersive and cinematic journey, painting striking mental visuals. While there are a few moments where the energy dips, the standout tracks really shine, showcasing the duo’s talent for creating soundscapes that feel both nostalgic and new. With its mix of 80s and 90s influences, modern production, and emotional depth, it’s a solid record that’ll definitely connect with longtime fans and anyone just discovering Phantogram’s music.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Memory Of A Day from Phantogram is out now – grab it HERE.
