After signing to Neon Gold Records, Phantogram head towards a new chapter in their musical career and release their second single of the summer titled “Happy Again.”
Phantogram are considered pioneers in the Indie-Electronica sphere, as popular releases such as “When I’m Small” and “Black Out Days” have reached massive success. On top of their hit singles, they’ve also collaborated with big names such as Billy Corgan and the Flaming Lips, as well as created supergroup Big Grams with Big Boi from Outkast. The duo, consisting of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter, last released their fourth album titled Ceremony in 2020, with 2024 marking their return to the indie music scene. In May 2024, the duo signed with Neon Gold Records, which is home to artists like Charli XCX, Marina, Tove Lo and many more.
“Happy Again” is the second single after their latest track “All A Mystery,” released right after the record label news. The track immediately begins with a catch drum rhythm and an uplifting beat, with strong lyricism about feeling lost and finding your way through the light. The duo shares on Facebook:
Happy Again is a song about feeling lost. Walking blindly in the darkness, in search of a guiding light. But home is a feeling that you never forget. And dark is a season that can feel never ending. But eventually the sun will rise , and the ice will thaw, making us realize that through these changes, we can be happy again.
Phantogram on “Happy Again”
The track is riddled with reassuring lyrics about pushing through the darkness and waiting for better days to come. Barthel’s harmonious vocals reach new heights with a catchy chorus, as she screams “Another year gone by / I couldn’t wait for the end / Looking for the day when I can be happy again.” Phantogram are no strangers to creating relatable tracks, but this one absolutely hits different – everyone goes through troubling times in their life and this song serves as a beacon light at the end of the cold, dark tunnel.
With both “All A Mystery” and “Happy Again,” it’s an understatement to say we’re highly anticipating their new album. In the meantime, you can catch Phantogram on tour with Kings of Leons this Fall or stop by one of their headline shows happening in between. Get your tickets here.
I'm a full-time music journalist/photographer from Houston, number one Paramore fan and Husky dog owner. I have a B.S in Radio-Television-Film from UT Austin and a M.A in Mass Communications from the University of Houston, which makes me smart! On top of being an avid concert-goer and movie fanatic, I love bonding with others over the power of local music and media.
