It's easy to lose your place in tracks, and to lose moments of tracks you remember hearing on another listen. But what makes Phantom Brickworks extraordinary is not any particular moment. Like some of the finer electronic albums in the past decade, it's the sum of its parts.
In a year in need of centering and a sense of calm, Phantom Brickworks lives up to its name; it feels haunted while also offering up a hope to rebuild.
Hushed yet haunting, Phantom Brickworks offers a beautiful new perspective on Bibio's music.
Entrancing in its stillness, Phantom Brickworks solidifies Bibio as an artist of remarkable versatility.
As much of a lateral and exploratory move, this is for Wilkinson, and it is also a move forward away from a bad habit. Past Bibio releases tend to lose their identity in his experimentations, ending up as a pile of mixed goods. Here, on Phantom Brickworks, the theme is gospel.
Living up to its title, ‘Phantom Brickworks’ proves a spectral set, a fragile sounding record that confidently conveys the intent of its creator.
While not always a constant draw by the end of a track, many songs offer compelling hooks and sounds that can make even their longest writing gripping.
I find this album vastly underrated. Wonderful ambient album with a chilling, enveloping atmosphere.
Bibio - Phantom Brickworks (2017)
Yet another album anniversary of the day (5 years old) Phantom Brickworks may be simply crafted but it's atmospheric ambient soundscapes honestly kind of took me away on a journey for 73 minutes. Some songs on here (09:13, PHANTOM BRICKWORKS I II III, BRANCH LINE) are dreamy Brian Eno-esque and would be perfectly suited for a sleepy time nap mix or when you are in the mood for something meditative. Other tracks (PANTGLAS, IVY CHARCOAL) seem to be more suited ... read more
1 | 09:13 7:03 | 100 |
2 | PHANTOM BRICKWORKS 13:47 | 75 |
3 | PANTGLAS 4:31 | 75 |
4 | PHANTOM BRICKWORKS II 16:44 | 75 |
5 | CAPEL CELYN 8:12 | 75 |
6 | PHANTOM BRICKWORKS III 9:27 | 75 |
7 | IVY CHARCOAL 2:03 | 75 |
8 | BRANCH LINE 8:42 | 75 |
9 | CAPEL BETHANIA 2:44 | 75 |
#11 | / | Time Out New York |