Phantogram
House of Blues Anaheim, CA
Phantogram took the stage at House of Blues Anaheim on January 16th with a commanding presence, immediately setting the tone for an unforgettable night. Opening with the brooding and dynamic "Jealousy" from their latest album Memory of a Day, Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter wasted no time pulling the crowd into their atmospheric world. The song’s pulsing bass and emotive vocals created an immediate connection, and the energy surged even further with the infectious rhythms of "Don’t Move" and the crowd favorite "Fall In Love," both of which had the audience dancing and singing along.
One of the standout features of Phantogram’s live show is their versatility as multi-instrumentalists, and it was on full display throughout the evening. The duo effortlessly alternated between instruments: Sarah moving between bass and vocals, while Josh switched from guitar to synth with ease.
A true highlight for many was the performance of "Run Blood Run," a fan favorite from Eyelid Movies (2009). During the track, Sarah added some impromptu vocal harmonies that seemed to elevate the song to new heights, proving once again how Phantogram's live arrangements add a special magic to their recorded material.
The setlist expertly balanced new material from Memory of a Day with the band’s biggest hits, giving fans a taste of both the familiar and the fresh. Tracks like "Attaway" and "Come Alive" stood out from the new album, showcasing the duo’s continued evolution in sound while maintaining the dark, hypnotic core that defines their music. The surprise inclusion of “You Are the Ocean,” a deep cut from Eyelid Movies, was a nice touch for longtime fans, adding a sense of nostalgia to the evening.
As the show neared its end, the band played a powerful rendition of "Come Alive," a perfect closer—until the encore, that is. The crowd erupted as Phantogram returned to the stage for a three-song encore, starting with the exhilarating "You Don’t Get Me High Anymore." They capped off the night with their classic, "When I’m Small," leaving the audience buzzing with energy and contentment.
Phantogram’s performance at House of Blues Anaheim was a masterclass in live energy, seamlessly blending their evolving sound with the signature elements that made them fan favorites in the first place. The duo’s chemistry, talent, and ability to experiment while maintaining their unique style made for a truly unforgettable night.
