January 15th, Phantogram kicked off their ‘Running Through Colors’ tour at Brooklyn Bowl, and we could not have been more excited! Phantogram’s first Vegas performance since 2022 was set to be an exhilarating experience, with fans packed shoulder to shoulder in the venue after doors opened.
From the moment the duo—Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter—took the stage, the energy in the room was INSANE. The atmospheric lighting set the tone, as they opened with ‘Jealousy,’ the first track on their new album.
The setlist was brilliantly curated with a perfect blend of old and new material. With Barthel’s dreamy vocals and Carter’s raw, gritty guitar work, the band created a soundscape that was nothing short of mesmerizing and haunting. My favorite moment actually came when they played their third song ‘Fall in Love’ which was even more intimate live with the audience singing every word.
The band’s energy and chemistry was on full display, as Barthel effortlessly commanded the stage, and Carter brought an intensity to the performance with his incredible guitar work and backing vocals. The duo’s dynamic was enhanced by a very subtle, but intricate lighting design, that was dark and beautiful all at the same time.
Even as we reached the end of the set, the crowd’s energy never wavered. After hurling 18 bangers at us, the band returned for an encore, treating fans to a brilliant renditions of ‘You Don’t Get Me High Anymore’ and ‘When I’m Small.’
Phantogram’s live show is an absolute masterclass in atmospheric live music. Their ability to blend genres and create an immersive experience left me and everyone else in complete awe.
Phantogram is set to continue their tour through Feb. 28 across North America.
PHOTO CREDIT: Live photos by Addison Egelhoff for ZrockR Magazine – (c) 2025 – All Rights Reserved.