
However, the first two tracks, “16 Years” and “Don’t Move”, initially suggest otherwise. As solid as anything on Eyelid Movies, both songs offer Phantogram comfortably within their element. “16 Years” features a spirited chorus where Barthel’s vocals soar over tight percussion en route to a predictably elevating bridge. “Don’t Move” is one of the more club-happy songs the band has ever recorded- a pulsating cacophony of noise and backbeats designed to cater to Phantogram’s nocturnal, underground strengths. While each of these tracks doesn’t expand their sound, they do firmly measure up with the rest of the band's previous catalogue. Yet Nightlife peaks with “Don’t Move” and from this point forward, Phantogram struggles through shapeless recycling of previous material (“Make a Fist”, the overlong “A Dark Tunnel”) and unfortunate vocal decisions (Josh Carter does himself no favors on “Turning Into Stone”). The EP never comes to life in the way promised by the vibrancy of “16 Years” and “Don’t Move”. In fact, most of the release feels like B-side material. Supposedly, this EP was inspired by the insomnia, travel, and adrenaline of Phantogram’s endless touring schedule after the release of Eyelid Movies. If so, Nightlife doesn’t do the experience justice. A band as exciting as Phantogram would never be this mundane.
STANDOUT TRACKS INCLUDE:
Phantogram - 16 Years by pillowjungle
Phantogram - Don´t Move by homoheadphonico
- Fr. Jones
Phantogram - Don´t Move by homoheadphonico
- Fr. Jones
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