For most an optical illusion confounds and confuses, twisting itself into an object that the mind’s eye can barely recognize and define. When New York’s Phantogram takes the stage this Saturday night, the same experience will likely occur within the auditory canal. The ambient pop duo will bring their own electronic spin to the Crescent Ballroom and no doubt fans are ready for their indie pop reawakening to begin. Having been popular in the indie scene for quite some time now, their eclectic sounds have produced a recently released EP entitled “Nightlife.” With so much hype surrounding the band, you would think that would nullify their ability to keep a crowd enraptured and mesmerized by their music. The dreamy ambivalence in their music is more like a stream of consciousness that seems to permeate into where the emotional core is. With their influences of hip hop, house progressive, trance, and of course indie rock, it’s no surprise that Valley residents are likely stoked for their Phantogram front row experience.
What is ambient pop? Well the very official looking Wiki explanation can be found here. It’s pretty much a definition full of existentialism this and introspective vision that. The best way I can describe it (without sounding like a verbally holier than thou Ms. Stick-up-my-booty pants) is that it’s pure sound. What a revelation (insert your sarcasm) music creates vibrations which create sound waves, earth shattering discovery by yours truly! No, what I mean is when I listen to bands like Phantogram, I cherish the way the sounds of their instruments or music making equipment layer upon one another. They craft each level of sound as if it were an ice cream scoop built instead with harmony and lushly arranged chords. These layers build upon one another to force an intense pulse of sound that seems to wash over whichever eager listener is the beholder. This dense instrumentation is then accompanied by striking vocals that have a seamless blend with the music they are harmonizing with. It’s a choir that’s part man, part machine and all brilliance. Go to the show, you’ll see what I mean.
Phantogram is playing with Reptar this Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Crescent Ballroom. Tickets are $14. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
What are your thoughts on defining music genres? Or maybe you want to share your agreement/annoyance with my love of Phantogram? Whatever your musical concern, let me know! Email me at gmarsha2@asu.edu, or follow me at @whimsicalwookie.
