Phantogram

Hailing from Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Phantogram are a duo whose music combines elements of guitar pop, ambient electronics and hip-hop-inspired programmed beats. Formed in 2007, they played as Charlie Everywhere until 2009, when the U.K.'s BBE label released their self-titled debut EP. (Oddly, BBE typically releases funk and hip-hop, often archival, making Phantogram something of an oddball on its roster.) In 2010, they released their debut album, Eyelid Movies, on Barsuk, home to Death Cab for Cutie. In keeping with the period's chillwave trend, and echoing the intimate, streamlined pop of groups like the XX, the album divides its time between smart songwriting, blissed-out textures and tight grooves.