Best friends and aural illusionists

Phantogram is a rural band that makes urban beats and mocks each other for wearing ugly braces

As a duo that creates J-Dilla beats, uses vocals like Mazzy Star’s Hope Sandoval and rocks like Radiohead, friends Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel have quite an undertaking with each show.

It’s not that they can’t handle it though, especially as they’re about to begin their first headlining tour.

They just need to take proper precautions.

“We’re only allowed one alcoholic drink before we start playing or else it’s not going to happen,” Barthel confesses. “We have a lot of things to do up there.”

Despite their edgy rhythms and the shoe-gazey overtones, this is no urban outfit. The pair hails from Saratoga Springs in upstate New York where they first met in junior high. Such familiarity makes touring together easier, given such a long history.

“You can’t get more awkward than 9th grade,” says Barthel.

“You had different rainbow colors on your braces,” Carter adds with a laugh.

“That was the trend back then!”

It’s clear that Carter and Barthel’s friendly chemistry extends beyond their music. But that doesn’t mean they don’t fantasize about having a full back up band someday. Their wish-list of session musicians run as follows: ?uestlove on drums, The Breeders’ Kim Deal on bass, a slew of back up soul singers and Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood on guitar.

“Kim Deal could help with the harmonies too,” says Carter. “We’ll take care of the rest.”

Phantogram with Junk Culture
Tuesday, 8 p.m.
Great Scott
1222 Comm. Ave., Allston
$10, 617-734-4502
www.greatscottboston.com
 
Thursday, 8 p.m.
Union Hall
702 Union Street, Brooklyn
$10, 718-638-4400
www.unionhallny.com

Friday, 8 p.m.
Mercury Lounge
217 East Houston Street
$10, 212-260-4700
www.mercuryloungenyc.com
 
Saturday, 8 p.m.
Kung Fu Necktie
1248 N Front St
$8, 215-291-4919
www.kungfunecktie.com