Heart of Noise

Ok, I know I’ve been in London for a good few years now, but I confess: I’d never been to the Lexington for a gig. My first ever time at the revered music venue, (complete with disco balls and mirrors - who knew?!), was to see Phantogram at the end of July.

The girl/boy electro-pop duo from New York (where else?) only had a guitar, keyboards and a few samplers between them, but they managed some deep, brooding dance music that got the whole crowd moving and begging for more.

Listening to When I’m Small now, it sounds quite mellow, and just a little creepy and haunting with its low-fi crackles. But live, the track became something else. In between singing, Sarah Barthel, in a very sexy black top and leggings, was violently shaking and head-banging (somehow still looking cool), and making the audience feel all those nuanced beats as well as the big thumping ones.

As well as their brilliant samples (even some 90s hip hop) and unashamed electro sound and vocal loops, Joshua Carter’s live guitar riffs bring the whole set to life. They just manage to inject so much energy into every tune and their stage presence brings a whole new element to the live set.

The other NY girl/boy electro duo doing the rounds at the moment are of course, Sleigh Bells who are getting much attention - maybe because they’re signed to MIA’s label? - maybe because Phantogram are much more subtle and basically, not as loud?! But I bet that it’s only a matter of time before the hype reaches Phantgram, as more and more music lovers get a chance to see this melancholic-rocking, electro-duo live in action.

Here’s a little taster of just how good they can be, just for you :)