“Signals in the Dark” by E.G. Phillips immediately feels like a time warp of a record in the absolute best way imaginable. The six song release hums with intimacy, patience, and atmosphere, unfolding slowly like you’ve been transported back in time to a smoky 60’s jazz club. It is the kind of record that invites you not to simply hear it, but to sink completely inside it. Kick back and relax, we promise you’re in for a ride!

Drawing inspiration from the spacious elegance of Miles Davis’ classic In a Silent Way, Phillips embraces that similar restraint from beginning to end. Plenty of empty space breathes between piano chords, trumpet phrases, and guitar, allowing every note to linger just a little longer than you’d expect. Way way too much music feels overloaded and desperate for attention, but “Signals in the Dark” has a confidence to slow down and let pure mood carry it all.

The album blends jazz, excellent storytelling, and slight touches of rock into something timeless. Phillips’ songwriting never sacrifices depth for musicianship, though the musicianship throughout is exceptional. Angelic piano passages drift alongside warm guitar work that alternate between straight up jazz and a cosmic blend of everything else. However, when that trumpet enters the mix, it completely changes the temperature of the room. Its presence feels cinematic, almost noir-like! When we said time warp at the beginning, we truly meant it.

Phillips’ vocals are perfectly suited for this world. Like everything we’ve reviewed from him in the past, there’s consistently such a warmth to his delivery that makes the record feel personal. His voice never oversings, but instead, it settles naturally into the instrumentation. Right in the middle of the mix surrounded by those subtle instrumental flourishes, his storytelling really is the crux of the whole record.

We truly think this is music made for intentional listening. “Signals in the Dark” feels like the audio equivalent of sitting in a leather recliner with a glass of scotch and a slowly burning cigar while rain taps against the windows outside. The subtle harmonies and backing vocals scattered throughout the album add another layer of beauty. They often sit low in the mix like distant echoes and there’s seemingly infinite little details you’d miss if you weren’t listening with a nice pair of headphones or a suitable sound system as well. Everything’s just soo good, you’ve got to enjoy it in the right way.

Between every instrumental swell, every pause, or restrained vocal phrase, each song is a standout. We were partial to “Dreamcatcher” and “Radio Silence Mode”, but Phillips really wants you to listen from start to finish untouched and we couldn’t agree more. It’s an album experience in its truest form.

Sit back and relax, click that play button, and of course make sure to follow along for more by checking out those links below. We know you’re going to love it!

Listen to “Signals in the Dark”

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E.G. Phillips masters Jazz Fusion on album, “Signals in the Dark”