E.G. Phillips continues to push lyrical boundaries with his new single ‘When It Gets Dark,’ a chamber folk gem that invites listeners into the curious realm of para-social relationships and digital nostalgia. As the closing track of his upcoming EP, Tricks of the Light, the song plays like a late-night monologue wry, reflective, and unexpectedly cinematic.
With whimsical references to YouTube reactors, Plutarch, and mythological archetypes, Phillips builds a narrative that’s both self-aware and emotionally resonant. His lyrical style, clever, vivid, and infused with subtle humor, remains his signature strength. The track’s chamber ensemble, brought to life under the direction of Grammy-winner Nahuel Bronzini and arranger Felipe Ubeda, envelops the listener in a warm, textured soundscape. Clarinet, cello, upright bass, and piano intertwine like characters in a film score, evoking composers like Jon Brion and Carter Burwell.
There’s something tenderly universal in this “ode to a Doctor Who react streamer.” Phillips offers not just commentary on our digital habits, but a reminder of our timeless yearning for connection, even if it’s one-sided. ‘When It Gets Dark’ is strange, poignant, and beautifully human.
