Eyelid Movies
by Phantogram
  • Record Label: Barsuk
  • Release Date: Feb 9, 2010
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 35
  3. Negative: 1 out of 35

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  1. r8diohead
    Jun 30, 2011
    10
    One of the most underrated/under the radar albums I've ever heard. Every song was well thought out, and contains layers of lush baselines and electro-synth melodies all laced with smooth guitar overtones. Every person that I've introduced this album to loves it. Don't be surprised if Phantogram has a very bright future ahead of them.
  2. LomaxLomax
    Mar 20, 2010
    10
    Absolute perfection! Interesting music that will be in my rotation for the year.
  3. MicahC.
    Feb 12, 2010
    9
    This album will likely be in my top 5 of 2010. There's a little bit of everything here--but it's not schizophrenia, it's a gorgeous genre-mashing groove. Faaantastic!
  4. JerryC.
    Feb 12, 2010
    9
    For a band that is fairly small time, there was a big production for this album. Surely it makes if dream of what this band might do for future albums with better production teams. There was some moments that I thought of M83 and other moments that I thought of School of Seven Bells. I also think the album did push the boundaries of electro-dance music. It is a must buy for me.
  5. DustinC.
    Feb 12, 2010
    9
    this is a good album. its got enough beats and hooks to keep you entertained on first listen and much more to go back for. some great electronic work and production. in a time where "artists" are lauded for being lo-fi and meandering, it's nice to get a good electronic/indie-rock album that isnt loaded with crap.
  6. Vampire25
    Feb 18, 2012
    5
    Eyelid Movies is definitely an intricate, interesting album. No doubting that. But it's also a bit of a mess. Too much is happening in this album that doesn't quite sound so good sometimes. The vocals are wonderful but the lyrics are clumsy at times. Some tracks are out of place. Some tracks stand out for me though. All In All, Eyelid Movies have a handful of great tracks and some tracksEyelid Movies is definitely an intricate, interesting album. No doubting that. But it's also a bit of a mess. Too much is happening in this album that doesn't quite sound so good sometimes. The vocals are wonderful but the lyrics are clumsy at times. Some tracks are out of place. Some tracks stand out for me though. All In All, Eyelid Movies have a handful of great tracks and some tracks are unnecessary. C+… Expand
  7. pdcuster
    Nov 29, 2010
    9
    the critics definitely screwed up with this one as it's easily one of the best albums of the year (as can be noted by the praise of the users). if you love trip hop along the lines of the sneaker pimps this album is a no brainer. i've seen them live three times now and they have managed to top themselves with each show. truly amazing to watch.
  8. GodzillaGodzill
    Jul 11, 2012
    9
    bloody and brilliant! No couldn't just say that. Sonic music really; electrical madness and such, and Battles and Baths and Fruit Bats and Neon Indian and Cults and completely none of that in all!
  9. cooldude19885
    Oct 19, 2016
    9
    Phantogram’s Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter’s debut album “Eyelid Movies” instills powerful ideas through both relaxed and upbeat songs, soft vocals, and powerful lyrics. The sharp instrumentals and unwavering energy give the album it’s edge. Filled with electronic vibes and a trip-hop beat, the album is filled with skilled style and technique, sure to send you on journey.
    As you travel    Phantogram’s Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter’s debut album “Eyelid Movies” instills powerful ideas through both relaxed and upbeat songs, soft vocals, and powerful lyrics. The sharp instrumentals and unwavering energy give the album it’s edge. Filled with electronic vibes and a trip-hop beat, the album is filled with skilled style and technique, sure to send you on journey.
    As you travel through the album, a hopeless story of lost love is revealed through song. The lyrics are calm yet slightly disturbing as they reference death and drugs multiple times as a use to demonstrate what heartbreak feels like. Upbeat instrumentals and melodies hide the dark tones. This gives the impression that the person experiencing these hard times is almost laughing at what has happened. Very few songs have a slow, somber sound, but the few that do bring you back to a broken world instead of wandering through a world with no cares.
    The lyrics are up to interpretation and upon analysis can take a much deeper meaning. A line in “Mouthful of Diamonds” reads, “The devils won’t take you back out to the salty seas.” This can be interpreted back to the saying, “Between the devil and the deep blue seas,” which is an idiom for having to choose between two loathsome options. Lines like this are found all throughout the album, so a deep thinker and listener would thrive on “Eyelid Movies.”
    Sarah and Josh go way back together. Both from New York, they were best friends growing up and have been making music together since middle school. In 2011 they signed with Barsuk Records. With all that time spent working on their style, technique, and skill, it’s easy to understand how Phantogram’s first album could be so strong. Their ideas and instrumentals flowed well together and you can get a good sense of the sound they are looking for.
    Sarah Barthel’s airy and sensitive vocals fit the style perfectly. She can make a song sound vulnerable or strong by making slight changes in her singing style and she’s an overall amazing singer. Josh Carter’s voice is featured throughout the album on background vocals with the occasional song with him on lead. He has more earthy vocals but can hit impressive notes. Both singers have great strengths and blend well together, really pulling everything together.
    “Eyelid Movies” is a strong album with great style. Strong ideas and sounds make this album fun and easy to listen to, while dark lyrics send deep meanings through the music. My journey through this album is a trip I would like to take again, and I encourage others to same.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

98
#98 Most Shared Album of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    80
    Phantogram have put forth a collection of heady and stimulating songs primed for in-the-dark listening.
    Read full review
  2. BBC Music
    80
    A refreshing, unusual and diverting first record from two new talents, then, and one to recommend for jaded electro and indie fans who felt the New York scene had gone as far as it could with art-skronk.
    Read full review
  3. Slant Magazine
    60
    From the hip-hop loops and grungy, Dust Brothers-style synths of "Running from the Cops," to the new wave balladry of "All Dried Up," and the trip-hop cool of "You Are the Ocean," these are kinds of left-of-center pop tunes that, in the mid-'90s, could have sneaked their way onto Top 40 and modern-rock playlists (which were basically the same thing back then).
    Read full review
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