Nevertheless, Power's own Jekyll-and-Hyde modus operandi creates some brilliant moments. "The Piccolo Snare" begins with hushed harmonies reminiscent of the Mamas and the Papas before drifting into a sea of twinkling beats and synth drone; "Slow Life" is an industrial party crashed by Blur, techno robots, and a full orchestra. Even songs centering on one genre -- the fuzz-chugging power-pop gem "Golden Retriever," the starry-eyed piano ballad "Bleed Forever" -- demonstrate the Animals' impressive range.
Phantom Power's melting melodies and sound collages are gorgeous. But as a whole, the album's summery atmosphere feels like a fractured mirror-image of Rings -- a reflection that's slightly askew and not quite able to reproduce the transcendent emotions it so greatly desires.
