Phantogram

Eyelid Movies (Barsuk)

Phantogram’s sort of the East Coast answer to Yacht. The songs on debut Eyelid Movies aren’t as roller-rink ready as the Portland, Ore., duo’s, though this Saratoga Springs, N.Y., twosome finds definite grooves in which to etch its love songs. Massive Attack, Portishead, and Cocteau Twins all come to mind in the first half; guitarist Josh Carter and keyboardist Sarah Barthel obviously have an affinity for British moods and screwed beats. “Turn It Off” and “Running From the Cops” put the latter up front, a hybrid of trip-hop and ambient; cool blue synthscape “All Dried Up” and R&B-singed standout “As Far As I Can See” make good use of dreamlike atmosphere and stuttering samples. Ultimately, Eyelid Movies is more a scene-setter than a full-fledged album, but it’s an interesting update on a sound, from upstate no less. (Thu., 1am, Red Eyed Fly.)

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This article appears in March 19 • 2010.

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