PHANTOGRAM is the duo comprised of SARAH D. BARTHEL and JOSHUA M. CARTER of Saratoga Springs, NY. Their music can be described as a culmination of unique street beat rhythms, spaced-out synths, swirling guitars, with the combined textures of technology and organic origin. PHANTOGRAM's music sounds like it's made by a band from the city. Electronic loops, hip-hop beats, shoegaze, soul, pop - each finds its way into their songs. Unexpectedly, the band doesn't live and work in a major urban center, but rather calls the town of Saratoga Springs, NY home (population 26,186). Despite the cultural influence of local Skidmore College (where fellow RATATAT formed) and a relatively small scene of adventurous musicians and listeners, Saratoga isn't exactly teeming with fans of J. DILLA, MY BLOODY VALENTINE or SERGE GAINSBOURG...except for Phantogram! PHANTOGRAM's debut album release brings you a fresh new sound of electronic influenced rock. All tracks have been written, composed, performed and engineered by Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter themselves.

Wallsocket, released September 22, 2023, takes place as an ARG (alternate reality game). Wallsocket is described as a small town in Michigan by underscores. However, Wallsocket, MI does not actually exist.

Tomoyuki Tanaka's second album as the Fantastic Plastic Machine, Luxury, multiplies the dance-club influences of its predecessor -- yet fans of that first record might not initially welcome the change. Where
Fantastic Plastic Machine felt fresh and almost effortless, Luxury isn't the same glorious rush of sugary hooks and surprisingly elaborate beats. While Tanaka's productions are still impeccable, a few of the tracks feel aimless and repetitive (the album starts with a nine-minute mix of "There Must Be an Angel (Playing With My Heart)," which repeats the same hook ad infinitum and doesn't work nearly as well outside of a club). But with repeated listens, it becomes clearer that Tanaka is also trying to push the boundaries of his sound, exploring more down-tempo territory and concentrating more on creating texture with his mixes. Some of the brighter pop numbers have a muted warmth that gives the illusion of vintage vinyl; there are more vocal effects employed, and more live instrumentation as well. Luxury may be a less immediate album than Fantastic Plastic Machine, but while it's also less consistent, there's still plenty to discover here.