Voices
by Phantogram
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Feb 18, 2014
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 49 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 49
  3. Negative: 0 out of 49
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. asjklasjklas
    Oct 12, 2014
    6
    Though musical acts consisting of one man and one woman—one Adam (producer) and one Eve (lead vocals), ahem—are sprouting out in the indie-pop industry like poison ivy on an abandoned farmland, latching onto whatever audience they come upon, and selling out like cigarettes at a Kentuckian Pilot station—if you're from Kentucky, you'll understand what I mean—Phantogram have fortunatelyThough musical acts consisting of one man and one woman—one Adam (producer) and one Eve (lead vocals), ahem—are sprouting out in the indie-pop industry like poison ivy on an abandoned farmland, latching onto whatever audience they come upon, and selling out like cigarettes at a Kentuckian Pilot station—if you're from Kentucky, you'll understand what I mean—Phantogram have fortunately managed to develop and establish a signature sound that's actually quite unique and even successful without sounding the least bit insincere. It's no Crystal Castles as far as ambition goes, but it certainly earned them an audience that's not there for a millisecond and gone in another. What does that mean for their second studio album Voices?

    Phantogram—Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter—didn't actually capture my attention until years after their 2009 debut album Eyelid Movies came out. But once a friend of mine introduced me to "Futuristic Casket", I immediately searched them up on Spotify and felt a warmth in their melancholy melodies, sample-heavy production, and Barthel's safe yet soothing voice. It's not as if I became a complete believer in their material and praised it to the highest Heavens of them all. It's not revolutionary and it's not at Arcade Fire's height of hype, but that's exactly why it caught my eye for at least a moment: Phantogram aren't trying to break ground on a surface of music that's already been broken to pieces, they're just creating very, very endearing art that seems sincere to them. That means a lot to me and I wouldn't want anything more.

    Voices on the other hand, it's an, albeit faulty, attempt at building on top of their previous endearments and simultaneously making it more accessible. That's not a crime on their behalf—in a market dominated by duos and trios like Crystal Castles, CHVRCHES, Haim, and many more, why not take advantage of that dominance and cash in on it yourself? Lead single "Fall in Love" differs from CHVRCHES' 2012 breakout single "The Mother We Share" in sound, but it's simultaneously established and effective on both paper and presentation. The Flaming Lips' Steven Drozd contributes to "Never Going Home" to craft one of the record's most memorable tracks, an indie-rock anthem to Phantogram's fullest.

    But where Voices falls, it's not dramatic more than it is disappointing. Though it's natural to eliminate and re-establish certain qualities into an artist's creation over time, Phantogram have removed a fair percentage of their charm by relying less on samples and more on glamorizing themselves to fit in with the 'cool' kids and the 'weird' kids. Truth is, however, not a lot of Voices is all that memorable. It's quiet and instead of ingraining itself into your eardrums with the same effectiveness of their last album or lead single "Fall in Love", it insists on layering itself into the back of your mind, but leaving no room in the forefront for the listener to latch to. It's not shoegazing when your melodies become dull halfway through and Barthel's limited vocal range certainly doesn't have the strength to support it up. None of Voices sounds even remotely below-mediocre at worst and there are good songs here; the glimmers of Barthel and Carter's maturity and ever-growing sound haven't vanished. My issue with Voices isn't that negative and it's actually pretty biased and simple: it just could've been better.    … Expand
  2. Duke_Challenger
    Feb 18, 2014
    5
    No evolution by the band between their last album/EP. Most of the songs on here sound like songs from their past (I am not just talking about style). For me, that's a problem. For the majority of Phantogram's fans, I doubt it will be. I like my artists to constantly evolve from album to album and not copy off of their previous work.
  3. brettrosey
    Feb 21, 2014
    4
    What can I say, I questioned the direction of the band after hearing the preceding EP to the album, and my concerns were validated after getting through the last track. While their debut isn't a masterpiece by any means, it's got at least a few catchy tracks that seem to be totally lacking on this album. I get their are going for a different approach, trying to move past the superficialWhat can I say, I questioned the direction of the band after hearing the preceding EP to the album, and my concerns were validated after getting through the last track. While their debut isn't a masterpiece by any means, it's got at least a few catchy tracks that seem to be totally lacking on this album. I get their are going for a different approach, trying to move past the superficial pop of their debut, but unfortunately at least for me they don't pull it off well. For the couple decent tracks I've heard on Voices there's a few bland, filler tracks to follow them up. I still love Phantogram, but I'm not the type of fan that's going to blindly love their work when it doesn't live up to expectations. When I saw the reviews I was genuinely surprised at the positive scores. To each his own of course, but in my opinion Phantogram has hit a sophomore slump with their second record.… Expand
  4. Scooter4849
    Apr 23, 2014
    6
    Probably their strongest release yet, and it's quite nice to see Sarah growing as a singer here. The instrumentals are pretty decent as well, in terms of indie Electronica. Very full and groove heavy, although not very unique. Definitely borrows some ideas from Chvrches too, but feels like somewhat of a ripoff of them. Overall, it was okay.

Awards & Rankings

90
#90 Most Discussed Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Q Magazine
    Jul 11, 2014
    60
    When the formula gels, it can make for a potent cocktail, even if the arrestingly noirish production and twisted production often turn out to be more striking than the songs. [Aug 2014, p.112]
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Jun 30, 2014
    60
    Occasionally, mostly when Carter sings, Voices falls flat, but Phantogram's audacity is commendable.
    Read full review
  3. Drowned In Sound
    Jun 25, 2014
    70
    It’s definitely an accomplished one with plenty to recommend in its sonic traits.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »