Ceremony
by Phantogram
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Mar 6, 2020
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
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  1. Exclaim
    Mar 11, 2020
    40
    Ceremony is one of Phantogram's weakest records, one that struggles to set itself apart in the sea of electro-pop still stuck in the aesthetics of the late 2010s.
  2. Pitchfork
    Mar 11, 2020
    59
    The band sound thoroughly comfortable. ... It's a shame, then, that on their own album, Phantogram foreground their most conventional, clipped pop selves, when their quietest moments are often the loudest of all.

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. javiertabares
    Apr 10, 2020
    9
    This album may take a couple of listens to appreciate. They managed in this one to showcase an evolution both sonically and production-wise.This album may take a couple of listens to appreciate. They managed in this one to showcase an evolution both sonically and production-wise. The arrangements, lyrics, and even the vocal melodies seem to have gone through a thorough composition process, and though the darkish vibe in this album may take some of their avid fans aback, it is, in my opinion, the evidence that Phantogram has reached a level of mastery at what they do and how they do it.… Full Review »
  2. rashadfavors
    Mar 28, 2020
    10
    After listening to their previous albums it was always one or two songs that really caught me. But this album gives me more of a variety thatAfter listening to their previous albums it was always one or two songs that really caught me. But this album gives me more of a variety that I like very much.… Full Review »
  3. paije_breaks
    Mar 28, 2020
    8
    This is their most approachable album yet - As their more buttoned-up / electro-pop side is certainly given the spotlight on this album. ButThis is their most approachable album yet - As their more buttoned-up / electro-pop side is certainly given the spotlight on this album. But still - Ceremony delivers on a wide scope.

    The melodic & radio-ready sound is at its peak on this project with Dear God - super clean and unvaried drums, & light pop-synths, lead by bright, repetitive vocals. Their deeper cuts are some of my favorite moments, and they really amplify their pre-established surreal and trippy sound. Take News Today & Gaunt Kids - Very eerie, whispery and distorted vocals over a hazy soundscape. Although - both of these songs felt anti-climactic - both have an interesting buildup that just leads to… nothing. With exception to Ceremony? That is a complete catastrophic, distorted, K-Hole of an experience the ending on that song is? Amazing - Amazing… Moments like this are why I have a hard time fully siding with those who say they lost their edge. This is brilliant. Call me a Stan. I’ll take it

    Really the only low moments are the tracks Pedestal & Glowing - Sarah’s voice is BEAUTIFUL - especially over the airy pianos on Glowing. I felt like they fell flat - just uninteresting overall. And I’m not saying these songs are bad - by any means - just in comparison to the other tracks - it's not at the level.

    There’s no debate that Ceremony is indeed more agreeable, has more mass appeal. However - I do like this album quite a bit - Am I blown away? No - Did they introduce a new progressive sound? No - my take is, while they continue to widen their spectrum of sound they do a good job at representing the entire spectrum. Even at their poppiest / easiest to digest songs - there is still a sense of artistry.

    8/10

    FAVORITE: CEREMONY / MISTER IMPOSSIBLE / NEWS TODAY / INTO HAPPINESS

    Or you could watch - https://youtu.be/zbfSuXMVOnk    … Full Review »
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