Phantogram Play Intimate Shows at Los Angeles' Iconic Troubadour

Last Wednesday, Phantogram kicked off a short residency at the legendary Troubadour in West Hollywood and ran through hits from their illustrious 15-year career. 

Hitting the scene in 2010, the group brought moody synth pop into popularity with contemporaries like Purity Ring, Sylvan Esso, and more. Their debut Eyelid Moves was a mainstay on college radio and for me, “Mouthful of Diamonds” was a song that soundtracked much of my time in college. Through the years, their output has remained consistent and strong, most recently with 2024’s Memory of a Day. 

This string of shows doesn’t appear to be promoting any new music. They mentioned that this was the first time they had played as a two-person ensemble in years.  Instead, it seems like a little “hello” from the duo in a venue intimate enough that everyone has a good view. 

They spaced out their biggest tracks throughout the set, weaving in between more somber, melancholic ballads. Highlights included the infectious “Fall in Love”, the sobering “Answer”, “Don’t Move”, and of course “Mouthful of Diamonds”. The Troubadour isn’t typically known for the most dynamic light shows, so Phantogram brought their own setup and it really made the song soar. 

Phantogram played two more nights at the Troubadour and will wrap up their short Southern California tour in San Diego on 2/20/26. Later this year you can see this touring Europe with Linkin Park and as headliners.

Review & Photos by: Andrew Ameter

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