Road Report: Phantogram Eat Their Way Up the West Coast

After a successful string of shows at Austin's SXSW festival, Phantogram are hitting the road with the Antlers in support of their debut album, 'Eyelid Movies.' The duo, comprised of Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel, will be touring with the Brooklyn trio through May 5 before heading out with the National on their U.S. run.

The Saratoga Springs, N.Y. has been checking in all along the way with their own photos and anecdotes from the road, and in their last report Barthel recounts their west coast adventures, meal by meal.


Dear Diary,

4.29
Last night's show in San Diego was a lot of fun. We were able to catch up with some old friends from junior high. There is nothing better than re-living our memories of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and JNCOs. We were able to find a motel room about the size of a closet with a handicapped accessible bathtub.


First stop: In-N-Out Burger and then Jamba Juice.


4.30
We ended up driving to L.A. after our show in Costa Mesa to beat all of the traffic. I effing hate traffic. But then of course, I don't think I know anyone who does. Maybe except the people who stand in the street trying to sell fake flowers to drivers in their cars. Or bums who hold signs that say: "I love meth -- give me money."

4.31
Tonight we played at the famous Troubadour. I can say I used the same green room that Neil Diamond, Randy Newman, and Bob Dylan did. I sat on the same couch that Elton John, Leonard Cohen and The Boss sat on! I used the same sink and hand dryer as Miles Davis, Tom Petty, Elvis Costello, and Johnny Cash!!! I didn't think to take a picture of those items then, but now I am regretting it big time. I have no choice but to draw them out on my Etch-a-Sketch now.

5.1
The show went well last night and the rest of our night was even better. Not only because we were able to cruise down the strip in our insect gut-covered Escalade, bumping Notorious B.I.G, but also because we stood outside of a bar in Silver Lake stuffing our little uncultured faces with REAL Mexican food. It happened for an entire hour. It was one of those moments where we had to take in as much as possible because we weren't sure when the next time would be where we could get such tasty authentic Mexican. That was our excuse anyway. Then again, we say that every time we drive by an In-N-Out Burger.

Tonight: San Francisco at The Independent. SOLD OUT!! I hope we get to spend some time in the city. We've been there three times so far have have spent a total of 16 hours there. Pretty cool, right?

First stop: Jamba Juice and then In-N-Out Burger.

Sharing the green room with a bottle of wine, local beer, cheese and crackers, fresh fruit and veggies, hummus and pita, and my best friend. I could get used to this.

5.2
Driving up to Portland. Looking forward to the scenery.

At a hotel. We didn't get far with driving today.

Josh and I are going to have a beat off tonight. It's not as gross as you think. We challenge ourselves to make a short beat a day. Although, we have been slacking lately because of the long drives. Tonight's going to be a good beat. I'm thinking Edwin Starr samples.

5.3
Heading to a diner in Oregon where our manager Wes is driving through. Looking forward to seeing him. Tonight: The Doug Fir Lounge in Portland.


5.5
Hanging out at our manager's apt before the show tonight. We just ate some incredible Thai food down the street and then got locked out for a good half hour. It was Josh's fault. I like this neighborhood -- minus the rain.


Tonight's show in Seattle was amazing. We had a packed house at Neumos and the crowd's energy was astounding. Being at the venue brought some old memories back to a couple of years ago. It was the first time we met our friends at Barsuk Records. Josh, the owner of Barsuk, took us there to see a secret show with Tokyo Police Club. These guys were our favorite band at the time so it was pretty exciting. WE LOVE YOU, SEATTLE!!