Article & Photos by Ommar Ortuvia

Houston, TX — Friday evening at White Oak Music Hall saw a night filled with soothing electronic-infused indie rock and pop, graced by co-headliners Passion Pit and Phantogram. The latter took the stage first to an expectant crowd that had been there since the doors opened at 6 pm; this way they would not miss their opportunity to be at front and center of White Oak’s stage on the lawn. Phantogram’s founding duo, consisting of New Yorkers Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter, brought along supporting musicians Chris Carhart and Jonathon Mooney for their current tour which has been going almost non-stop since early summer. They have been continually supporting their latest album Memory of a Day, since last year’s winter tour, when they last visited Houston in January at the intimate House of Blues in downtown

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As the sun set and the moon rose over the sold-out crowd, the opening entertainment from DJ BrandonAirline set the mood for the attendees, mixing indie, electronica, and other synth-heavy classic hits. At about 8:05, the lights dimmed and Phantogram took the stage amid loud cheers, claps, and chants of “I love you Sarah!” Barthel and Carter strapped on their guitars and started off their set with “Funeral Pyre,” followed by “You Don’t Get Me High Anymore,” both from their third studio album, aptly titled Three. The crowd instantly felt the energy from the band’s hypnotic beats and rhythms, getting into the groove from the get-go, but then were blown away when “Fall in Love” started playing. Barthel’s silky smooth voice blended amazingly with the synths, captivating the crowd even more.

The night continued with a mix emphasizing classic hits from the Three album, and newer songs from 2024’s Memory of a Day, with a spattering of other tracks from their remaining studio albums and Nightlife EP. Throughout the set, the stage was well balanced with Carter’s ability to focus on whatever instrument was at this hands, in contrast to Barthel’s dynamic liveliness and energy, giving off an aura of owning the stage as she moved from one side to the other in her zebra-patterned high-heeled boots. The crowd loved this, and sang along as loud as they could with all the songs performed. Unfortunately all good things come to an end, and since Phantogram took the stage first there was no break for an encore. No worries since this just allowed the flow from the night to continue nonstop, to finish things off with the hit “When I’m Small,” from their debut studio album Eyelid Movies. The slow rising synth arpeggio, with its metaphorical lyrics, was the perfect way to wrap up the first half of the night.

Afterwards DJ BrandonAirline returned to the stage to keep the concert goers entertained while awaiting Passion Pit, but awkwardly many people made their way to the exits during this interval. By the time Passion Pit took their place on stage, the venue felt less crowded – obviously a big part of the crowd came only for Phantogram, and decided that was good enough for them. And personally, I cannot blame them, since many within the crowd had wished Phantogram were headlining to hear a bit more of their set. All things considered, Phantogram played for about 75 minutes with a 17-song list, which was more than enough for most in attendance…but I think no one would have complained if they played a bit more. They are continuing their tour until the end of October, when they wrap things up in back in their home in Los Angeles, California.