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Nightlife Image
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

  • Artist(s): Joshua Carter, Sarah Barthel
  • Summary: This is the third EP for the New York electronic rock duo of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 11
  2. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Aside from that rather flat conclusion, Nightlife is a solid offering from a unique act who possess a sound all their own, who seem unafraid of exploring all aspects of that sound.
  2. Nov 16, 2011
    80
    Phantogram drives straight through, with a clear purpose, no rest stops.
  3. Nov 16, 2011
    78
    It's not a bad effort at all, showing their ability to craft songs that are consistently solid.
  4. Nov 16, 2011
    71
    Not everything here is as compelling, but the true takeaways (the first three cuts, including the outsized, life-affirming "16 Years") are well worth the misguided ambition and watered down moments that inhabit the EP's second half.
  5. Nov 21, 2011
    70
    Brighter and more bombastic than Phantogram's previous releases, this new EP is more than enough to hold listeners over until the band's next full-length.
  6. Under The Radar
    Jan 19, 2012
    60
    While the stark quality here isn't necessarily harsh, it maintains a sharp sense of calm that rattles deep inside the body with its intensity. [#39, p. 73]
  7. Dec 6, 2011
    50
    Unfortunately for a Phantogram, things begin to fall a little flat in the EP's second half.

See all 11 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Apr 17, 2016
    10
    I'm truly surprised by the mediocre reviews by the critics. I think this EP is amazing! Seriously, every song is great. The production isI'm truly surprised by the mediocre reviews by the critics. I think this EP is amazing! Seriously, every song is great. The production is awesome, the song structures are interesting and varied, and there's a nice combination of badass-ness and tenderness. Nightlife may only have 6 songs, but it moves along nicely and doesn't overstay its welcome at all. This is definitely my favorite of Phantogram's work, and by the way, I don't give out 10s very often.

    Standout tracks: Don't Move, Make a Fist, A Dark Tunnel
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  2. Jul 11, 2012
    10
    Canopy, cannot stop listening to "Don't Move" all last year into this new one and cannot wait and am satisfied waiting although not for long... n00000
  3. Apr 11, 2012
    9
    Phantogram picks up where they left off on Eyelid Movies. There is evolution in their sound and writing. Gorgeous lush keyboards, technoPhantogram picks up where they left off on Eyelid Movies. There is evolution in their sound and writing. Gorgeous lush keyboards, techno sensibilities and deft witty lyrics combine for a fun to listen to experience. Sarah Bartel's delicate vocals are complimented perfectly with Josh Carter's obtuse twang ala' David Byrne. I highly recommend this EP and am only teased for what may be coming n a full length feature. A good at to catch live. I am giving high score for the sophomore effort. Expand