Nightlife
by Phantogram
  • Record Label: Barsuk
  • Release Date: Oct 25, 2011
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Nov 17, 2011
    80
    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. Spin
    Nov 16, 2011
    80
    Phantogram drives straight through, with a clear purpose, no rest stops.
  3. Beats Per Minute
    Nov 16, 2011
    78
    It's not a bad effort at all, showing their ability to craft songs that are consistently solid.
  5. Paste Magazine
    Nov 16, 2011
    78
    Unfortunately, Nightlife is a bit short, cramming the pair's diverse and ambitious arrangements into a six-track EP when the record would perhaps deliver a more cohesive sound if given more room to grow.
  6. Filter
    Nov 16, 2011
    74
    Nightlife is strangely satisfying even if it's a cocktail we've ordered too many times to remember.
  7. Pitchfork
    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.
  8. Consequence
    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.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. longjetty7
    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    … Full Review »
  2. GodzillaGodzill
    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. ZakFlak
    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.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »