Phantogram’s tunes surprise with sudden drives toward dissonance

Phantogram’s latest album, “Voices,” is by turns stirring and understated. (Courtesy)

Hypnotic and jarring at once, electronic rock duo Phantogram tend to lull listeners into a false sense of security with singer-keyboardist Sarah Barthel’s breathy vocals and low-pitched synth lines before singer-guitarist John Carter disturbs the peace with bursts of dissonance.

Their latest album, “Voices,” is by turns stirring and understated, though they get plenty heated on songs like “Howling at the Moon,” when Barthel sings of baying at celestial bodies as the percussion matches her ardor.

Phantogram comes to Las Vegas as part of Our Big Concert, which also features Capital Cities, MS MR, Kongos, Cherub, The Orwells and Bad Things.

Contact reporter Jason Bracelin at jbracelin@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0476. Follow on Twitter @JasonBracelin.