October 25, 2016
Erika Reinsel /for PhillyVoice
Phantogram at The Fillmore on Tuesday, October 25.
There aren’t many bands who can control a crowd quite like Phantogram can. Before the group took the stage, the eager crowd’s enthusiasm turned to delighted confusion as large black scrim came down and covered the stage. For the first four songs, the band was hidden between projections, with only their outlines displayed as singer Sarah Barthel belted out “Funeral Pyre” and “Black Out Days.” With each song, their shadows became increasingly more visible, before the scrim finally came down.
Over the next hour, Phantogram soared through their catalog, including new tracks off their third studio album “Three” and older hits like “Mouthful of Diamonds” and “When I’m Small.” The night was moody and atmospheric, complete with flashing lights and dark visuals.
As the set neared the end, Barthel took to a platform wearing a cloak that seeped fog. I’ve seen Phantogram many times over the past few years, and I can say they put on one of the most powerful and visually mesmerizing shows.
Phantogram at The Fillmore on Tuesday, October 25.
