With out any regrets I can say that New York trip-hop duo Phantogram takes the crown for making my number one album of 2014. Voices was one of the earliest releases of the year, so I was worried that it might drift slowly down the list. Not a chance in slightest. Especially after seeing them live at a huge festival, and then up close and personal at a venue in my own town.

All the emotion and intensity, that so far only seemed possible through the outstanding production Phantogram is known for, is raised tenfold when in a live setting. They are one of those bands that most likely would not be happy unless your glass ceiling of exceptions were shattered. So in a dazzle of synchronized lights, and a mess of metaphorical glass, my perception of how genuine a band that I had adored for years could truly be was obliterated. Phantogram have grown so much internally, and externally, in the past couple years that it was nice to have that sort of reassurance.

Voices itself is quite an accomplishment for Sarah and Josh. 40 minutes of non-stop indie inspired electro beats that can fluctuate anywhere between a downtempo ballad, to a high energy synth shoegaze experience. I wish that half of the album was not recycled from an EP they released last year, but beggars can’t be choosers. So even if I still love their 2010 debut more I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if I did not recognize 2014 as Phantogram’s most successful year to date. I’m more than happy to see that they have been getting the recognition that they have always deserved. With so much support and expectation it’s hard to explain how excited I am for what’s coming next.

Farewell 2014, and hello to all the marvelous opportunities that 2015 will bring to all the talented artists in this world!

Favorite Tracks:
Howling At The Moon
Black Out Days
Fall In Love
Celebrating Nothing
Bad Dreams
The Day You Died

Twitter Handle: @Phantogram
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Phantogram
Spotify:  Phantogram