Voices
by Phantogram
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Feb 18, 2014
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
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  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]
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  2. The Observer (UK)
    Jun 30, 2014
    60
    Occasionally, mostly when Carter sings, Voices falls flat, but Phantogram's audacity is commendable.
  3. DIY Magazine
    Jun 24, 2014
    60
    Voices is more than an uppercut of an album, it’s a finishing move.
  5. The Line of Best Fit
    Feb 18, 2014
    60
    The band fails to keep up that feverish tempo, and the album’s bewitching beginning quickly gives way to less inspired, repetitive numbers that plague a majority of the record, especially its weak second half.
  6. Pitchfork
    Feb 18, 2014
    60
    While its standout tracks are strong enough to ensure Phantogram maintains its current altitude, there are a lot of places to turn to for this sort of thing these days, and this album ultimately underwhelms next to the pure-pop punch of Haim, the cutting lyricism of Lorde, or the radiant grandeur of Chvrches.
  7. No Ripcord
    Feb 20, 2014
    50
    The good news, at least, is that Phantogram have made a solid album. The bad news is that it spans across their two LPs with plenty of forgettable filler in between.
  8. Slant Magazine
    Feb 18, 2014
    50
    Unfortunately, Carter enjoys a much larger presence this time around, and as the two largely split vocal duties, Voices rarely has a chance to establish any momentum before getting tripped up by its own inconsistency.

Awards & Rankings

90
#90 Most Discussed Album of 2014

User Reviews

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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
  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-popThough 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.    … Full Review »
  2. tellerink
    Mar 30, 2014
    7
    A very good, new group that I just discovered. I love their sound, their vibe. I don't even think there is one song that I didn't like off ofA very good, new group that I just discovered. I love their sound, their vibe. I don't even think there is one song that I didn't like off of this album! I liked each and everyone, and none more than the other. It is a hard sound to express into emotions. Another listen, and I will have it down!… Full Review »
  3. longjetty7
    Apr 14, 2016
    7
    I'm glad I stumbled upon Phantogram. Their music is immediately engaging without sounding too cliche, and I think they bring a nice creativeI'm glad I stumbled upon Phantogram. Their music is immediately engaging without sounding too cliche, and I think they bring a nice creative use of texture to electropop, while so many other acts just use a ton of synthesizers. The opening song is a perfect example of why I love their sound. The distorted guitars, trip hop beats, and fragile vocals make for a perfect combo, and overall that whole style makes this album such a treat to listen to. Now, there are a few weaker tracks on here, so it's certainly not a perfect album, but there are some truly great moments and awesome hooks that really have me looking forward to hearing what they do next.

    Standout tracks: Nothing But Trouble, Black Out Days, The Day You Died, Howling at the Moon    … Full Review »
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