Phantogram finishes Running Through the Colors Tour in Los Angeles

Los Angeles fans of all ages packed into the sold-out heart of Hollywood on Sunset Blvd. at the Hollywood Palladium for the final stop of Phantogram’s Running Through The Colors Tour. From the moment the doors opened, strangers bonded over their love for the duo: drinks in hand, cigarettes on the outside patio, dance moves on any open floor, and everyone ready to be mind-blown.

The opening act, LA trio Sunday (1994), served up doses of nostalgia, romance, and melancholy, with their alternative/indie pop music perfectly matching their moody black-and-white Instagram aesthetic. For lovers of gloomy, dark sound, yet angelic lyricism, this band is a must-see!

As the lights came on, hip hop tracks played between the two sets.

Finally, a hush as the lights dimmed, followed by a roar from the crowd as Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter made their appearance onstage. The duo wasted no time diving into their electronic rock and indie pop mix of bangers. Their silhouettes were framed by flashes of white, blue, red, and green — echoing the entire purpose of the Running Through The Colors Tour.

If you haven’t been to the Palladium yet, you know how loud and thumping that venue gets. Once “When I’m Small” dropped, the bass hit straight into your core. “Black Out Days” hit like a train (in the best way possible) and everyone sang along in perfect harmony.

Looking around, it was clear that Phantogram’s music transcends generations. Most shows tend to attract one specific age group, but this tour brought together fans of all ages — parents with young children and even Boomers! The older fans kept up with their dance moves alongside the fresh faces of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, some of whom were discovering the charm of Barthel’s vocals and Carter’s guitar riffs for the first time.

By the end of the night, the air was thick with both thrill and the bittersweet finality of Phantogram’s tour, leaving LA on a high. For those who have never heard their music, rest assured, someone you know has and has nothing but excellent things to say about them. Be sure to check them out on their next tour! Their stage presence will not disappoint.

Photography by Celeste Basich

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