Photo Credit: Owen Ela

New York synthpop duo Phantogram have premiered a new single “Cruel World”, which will feature on upcoming album Three. Phantogram will release Three on September 16 via Republic.

“Cruel World” drops the pretenses of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter’s most recent singles, embracing a cinematic, more rewarding production style. Springy electronic percussion alternates with computerized yelps and bass driven synthetic instrumentation, creating simultaneously warm and haunting production. Barthel trades in her traditional darkness for complimentary panoramic brightness, shining above Carter’s terrific production.

In addition to “Cruel World” Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter have released two singles, “You Don’t Get Me High Anymore” and “Run Run Blood”, set to feature on Three. Three will mark Phantogram’s first studio LP since 2014’s Voices, and third formal release overall. The group kicked of a world tour in support of Three on July 31 in Chicago.

In 2015, Barthel and Carter released an eponymous, collaborative EP with OutKast rapper Big Boi under the name Big Grams. The EP received mixed critical reception and surprisingly strong commercial reception. The trio has toured in support of their EP since September.