Phantogram Live Review

Doug Fir, Portland
Monday, May 3rd, 2010

It's not rude to stare when you are watching a performer on stage, right?

When the two piece band first took the stage, I was already intrigued by Sarah Barthel's appearance, and her burst of energy on the first song added to her persona. When she pointed near me early in the set, I got a little light headed and weak in the knees. However, she must have been pointing at a guy standing near me, who promptly passed out. Props to the crowd for immediately rushing to his aid, and getting help. He was up soon after he fell, and was able to walk out of the venue with help, so hopefully he is alright.

I'm not a big fan of the "play button" bands push to get things started, but there is a lot going on musically on Phantogram's album, which would be impossible to pull off live with just two people. Therefore, their songs sounded a lot like the album version, but they did have more energy than I expected, and a couple electro jams near the end of the songs. Call me old fashion, drummers need work.

For a show that wasn't sold out, the place was crowded, and they were the opening band, so they are rising. I won't be the first, or 12th, or 154th person to state this, but this band is going to be big, and it's not just the beats that stick to the back of your brain after the third listen. They both sing well, play well, and look well, and that's a pretty tough combo to beat.

They held the crowd's attention, which is always a plus, except for the couple with no volume control talking about their Facebook pages near the back of the venue. I realize a concert is a social experience for many, so standing around listening to a band play music might bore you, but I could name about 82 better places to talk about your Facebook page other than a concert; coffee shops, restrooms, the break room at work, church, or easily the best place to talk about it, $@#*ing Facebook! I'm not going to be that guy who shooshes you at a show, then shakes his head in sarcastic disappointment, so I'll just rant about it instead on a blog.

I originally attended this show to cross Phantogram off my schedule and avoid Monday conflicts. But, I'm definitely catching their set again, and I apologize if this sounds like a massive crush (wiping the drool from my chin). Having seen them in a dark small club, a midday festival setting seems more intriguing. I dare you to walk by their set without wanting to stay. Hearing the synth on "You Are The Ocean" blasting through the aisles of cardboard pizza, confused patrons staring at their schedules, and $10 beer stands is something I already day dream about as a defining Sasquatch moment. And if you are one of those confused patrons, just stick around.

Set List (9:19 to 9:56):
1. As Far As I Can See
2. Let Me Go
3. Mouthful Of Diamonds
4. Running From the Cops
5. You Are The Ocean
6. Make A Fist (Bonus track from their vinyl)
7. When I'm Small