Review: Phantom Eye - LIVE (EP)

    Up until very recently, Phantom Eye has mostly existed as a solo studio endeavor. For the uninitiated, Phantom Eye is Jesse Norris' (Lighthouse, ex-TOWU, Tiger Helicide) solo project. Each release up until this point has had its own sound and personality. In a way, that holds true with this live EP as well.

    Much of the material here is grabbed from early Phantom Eye, which is very post-punky. I've said something to this effect in an early review of the project, but the music reminds me a lot of Joy Division and The Cure's early (but not that early) material. And I mean this as a massive compliment! The lyrics are deeply personal and it's felt through Jesse's distinctive vocal recitations and wails.

    The live band here sounds BIG and more organic than the more idiosyncratic studio releases. The bass throbs with the frantic percussion. The guitars and synths sing and pull at each other. I'd say as far as my personal preference, the studio versions and live versions just about stand on equal footing. I cannot stress enough how great the band sounds. Not shocked. These are among the best of the best musicians of the current Gadsden, AL music scene. While the quieter pieces are subject to audience banter, it sorta adds character. And those louder pieces wash over the listener when they hit their climaxes. It's very beautiful in places. Dig the ambulance siren at the end! -Harmless

Phantom Eye on Bandcamp!

Phantom Eye on Spotify!

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