MONICA KENDRICK,CHICAGO READER: There's nothing too forced or gimmicky about Tight Phantomz' music: rolling car-radio rock licks propel "Hash Sisters" and "Stranded", and the fatalistic party anthem "Dancing on the Freeway" pairs well with the breathy,broody "Sorry,Baby". A dreamy instrumental cover (Fleetwood Mac's Albatross) makes an especially nice final flourish.
ANDY DOWNING, CHICAGO TRIBUNE: The album reintroduced the anything can happen vibe of 70's party rock to the Chicago music scene- much as Urge Overkill did in the 90's.
TOM LYNCH, NEW CITY: The punishing and inescapable Tight Phantomz bring in the new year on pub Quenchers’ tiny stage, and one can only imagine the havoc that the Chicago band will wreak on the room. A mix of classic-rock riffage, punk and rough-around-the-edges indie rock, the Tight Phantomz sound boasts a relentless aggression, exhilarating and terrifying and all in between. It’s monstrous, and on stage, an assault. On top of that, the band’s performance style is fit for a party, if you could believe that. They’re not here to oppose you, they’re here to be with you, and the louder it gets the closer we all move together.
CHICAGO.OHMYROCKNESS.COM: Chicago's Tight Phantomz are making hot 'n' sweaty 70's rock cool again (as if it ever wasn't!). Featuring former members (including leader Mike Lust) of the ever-effervescent Lustre King, Tight Phantomz seriously kick out the grimy jams, forming classic rock magic with a BANG out of smoggy, distorted air. This is music led by AXES, not guitars.
...There's a lot of muscle in these power chord riffs, but also a hint of spookiness that would even make Black Heart Procession proud. They (along with city mates, The Ponys) are bringing the hardworking grubby rock back to Chi-town. You'll need a shower after this show.
ALLMUSIC.COM: ...stinging riffs, pounding drums, and vocals like a tumbledown Marc Bolan. But it also feels like something made with love for decades yore. "Hash Sisters" has a thumping cowbell and lyrics about teenage queens, "Stranded" crosses the legacies of Nazareth and the Sweet (complete with fizzy keyboards and high harmonies in the chorus), and "DUI in St. Charles" has some particularly stinging guitar work from Lust.
EQ MAGAZINE: Expertly captured at the bands own Phantom Manor studios in Chicago, Crazy When Wet has all the in-your-face presence of a live recording.
PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER: From the sticky morass of a Chicago rock scene glutted with pop-punk snarl, industrial noisemakers and post-grad math metal comes Tight Phantomz. The band's unabashed 'tude-rock revival sticks out in the Indie City like "Sweaty Teddy" Nugent at a poetry reading, but that doesn't stop the threesome from crashing the "rockist" party and shotgunning all the imported beer.
Palm-muted rowdiness and that familiar "baby, aww" boogie really sound out the essence of Tight Phantomz: dudes who party with guitars. Guns N' Roses isn't a point of irony with these guys -- it's a state of mind tattooed all over their music...
CHORD: Nightfool is pure rock n' roll bliss.
SLAP SKATEBOARD MAGAZINE: Tight Phantomz have successfully fired another bullet in the popular misconception of what rock 'n' roll is these days and should be patted on the back for thier effort.
JOHN SEWELL TRI CITIES.COM: Do whatever is neccessary to find this jem of an album
FLAVORPILL.COM: Not to rain on any rock-writer parades, but the term "attitude" has been mis- and overused, stuffed with signification to the point of meaninglessness. It's not just an affect in order to work, every aspect of rock 'n roll has to exude attitude. And from the strut of their guitars to their singer's mealy-mouthed phrasing, Tight Phantomz exude the coveted attribute with ease.
(JM) PUNK PLANET: Tight Phantomz have the skillz to become monsterz of rock. Unlike other bands that imitate their influences, Tight Phantomz uses influences as references and then plays beyond them. The band begins with Tony Iommi, Alice Cooper, or Edgar Winter on its stylistic turntable but then drops the needle into its own groove. The bands comfort zone is dynamic instrumental rock, which, because the trio can play without wankery, is a pleasure zone for listeners.
HANGINGHEX.COM: Ive said it before and Ill say it again, Mike Lust is one of the greatest live showmen on Earth. His stage antics (I once had his old band play in an apartment and he answered a ringing phone while playing and had a conversation in which he played a solo to the receiving end), coupled with his effortless guitar mastery are a thing to behold and a must for any fan of ZZ Top.
PANTERA MESSAGEBOARD POSTING: Don't let the 'z' fool you, it's straight-up, tear your face off rock that makes you want to punch babies and jump around like a baboon on angel dust.
I have some friends going to SXSW this year and they are stoked that you are joining the party. You will get some serious exposure there, since it's the home of the Butthole Surfers, MC 900ft. Jesus and the Geto Boys! You will fit right in!!! I'd love to see you guys tour with Shellac. I have seen them here in town and that show's 1,2 punch would put my butt out to lunch!!! It's the leg kicks Mike, that are rockin'!!!!!!
these tracks from Silk Prison sound so damn good Mike. Don't really know what it means to you coming from a guy like me but... i'm proud of ya. You've been working on that shit for a long time. Can't wait to get the record, alright call me back.
Hey, thanks for the add, we appreciate it. We like your music, and if you ever come through the Quad Cities and Iowa City, we'll surely be there to see you.
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