E.G. Phillips’ ‘When It Gets Dark’ is a captivating blend of jazz-infused folk and alternative Americana, showcasing his signature lyric-driven storytelling with a cinematic flair. The song is the closing track on his upcoming EP ‘Tricks of the Light,‘ and it masterfully intertwines clever wordplay with lush chamber arrangements to reflect on the modern phenomenon of para-social relationships and the addictive allure of reaction content. This reflective piece manages to be whimsical and insightful, offering listeners an intriguing mix of nostalgia, humor, and a touch of melancholy. With its Tin Pan Alley-inspired structure and Phillips’ uniquely observational style, the track is a brilliant example of his ability to marry intellectual depth with accessible music.
Hailing from a place Phillips humorously calls “the country known as the Midwest,” now based in San Francisco, he crafts songs that balance wry humor and vivid imagery. A former tech industry professional with a background in geography, Phillips’ work is informed by a mix of intellect and quirky storytelling. Drawing inspiration from legends like Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, the Beatles, and Duke Ellington, he creates a sound that is eclectic, rich, and thoughtful. His music has often been described as “Bob Dylan with flatted fifths” or “lounge music somewhere between Tom Waits and They Might Be Giants,” positioning him in a space where alternative Americana collides with jazz and folk in surprising ways.
When It Gets Dark‘ delves into the strange and almost voyeuristic pleasure of watching someone react to content, an internet phenomenon that Phillips admits has become a guilty pleasure of his own. Through his song, he explores the curious allure of watching others experience favorite films and TV moments for the first time—vicariously reliving those emotions, from cheering on protagonists to mourning with them when tragedy strikes. Phillips cleverly weaves the idea of a “para-social Möbius strip,” suggesting that these one-sided relationships aren’t new, but have roots in human history. His lyrics slyly reference figures from myth and Plutarch, connecting modern-day online interactions to age-old human tendencies, while reminding listeners of the song’s central refrain.
Musically, ‘When It Gets Dark’ is a cinematic journey. Phillips worked with Grammy-winning producer Nahuel Bronzini (Fantastic Negrito) and musical collaborator Felipe Ubeda, who arranged and recorded the track with a dynamic chamber ensemble. The instrumentation features piano, upright bass, cello, clarinet, and guitar, creating a rich and layered sound that complements Phillips’ witty, yet contemplative lyrics. The arrangements are inspired by the cinematic soundtracks of composers like John Zorn and Jon Brion, evoking a warmth and intimacy that makes the song feel like a carefully crafted film score. The resulting sound is lush and engaging, adding emotional depth to Phillips‘ evocative storytelling.
As the closing track of ‘Tricks of the Light,‘ ‘When It Gets Dark ‘encapsulates Phillips‘ ability to craft songs that entertain and are thought-provoking. It reflects his distinctive style, one that effortlessly balances lightheartedness with deeper reflections on the human experience. His ability to blend whimsy with intellectual exploration, while maintaining a strong sense of musicality, sets Phillips apart in the world of alternative Americana and folk-jazz. As the song fades out, listeners are left with a sense of nostalgia and introspection, contemplating the song’s theme, the fleeting nature of online relationships and the nature of time itself.
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