Santa Ana’s Observatory featured Phantogram, an electric rock group made up of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter, on its stage on Oct. 26. The New York based duo made a name for themselves in 2009, with the release of their LP “Eyelid Movies.” The past five years have been nothing but good to the band with the release two albums, sold out shows and increasing recognition in the big leagues, with comparisons to bands like CHVRCHES and Cults.

A DARK TWIST ON MULTIPLE INFLUENCES

After huge buzz around their sophomore album “Voices,” they finished off the last of their U.S. shows here in California. The album includes the single “Fall in Love,” which put this duo on the map. This album includes electronically enhanced and mixed voices from both Barthel and Carter over synthy keyboard and electric beats. Throughout the album one can find influences from hip hop, alternative, rock and indie sounds with their own dark twist.

Self described as “street beat, psych pop,” the duo puts a lot of time and work into the songs they release. Barthel explained to “Nothing But Hope and Passion Magazine” that they “don’t really write happy songs” and goes on to state that they “like to keep [their] lyrics quite open, so people can have their own ideas about them.” Although this band has a very specific sound, they cannot be tied down to one genre. However, the pair makes sure to leave listeners intrigued in both their first album, “Nightlife,” as well as through “Voices.”

CATERING TO A LIVE AUDIENCE

Carter told “Nothing But Hope and Passion Magazine” that “now some of the parts in our songs are specifically written for [their] live shows.” Touring with the release of their latest album, not only did Phantogram give a performance, they gave a show. Their shows include a very exciting build-up of muffled sound and dark lighting. Only after coming out on stage does each light show begin. From lasers to reflectors to strobe lights, the visuals work well to accompany both Barthel and Carter’s performances.

Although the U.S. leg of Phantogram’s current tour has finished, they have no plans to stop. In the meantime, start by checking out their popular single, “Fall In Love.”