“It’s about growing up, loving, losing, and loving again. and now it’s yours”
After a long wait, and a string of fantastic releases; Nashville-based band Nightly release their debut album night, love you. With their heart-on-sleeve lyrics and impassioned brand of alt-pop, today we finally get the candid and cinematic album from Nightly that we’ve all been waiting for.
Comprised of 14 tracks mostly written in quarantine, the album features previously released favourites such as the movies and not like you, as well as breakup anthem you should probably just hang up. And to kick off the record, they intro the album with their recent single the car. Featuring an exciting combination of old and new releases, the record projects a sense of novelty alongside easy familiarity.
Gradually placing the album puzzle pieces together following a series of single releases, the record begins with laid-back pop track the car. A confessional and relatable track, telling the tale of a relationship falling apart while holding onto the hope of rekindling; this is the perfect song to introduce the album. Diving into their signature indie alt-pop sound; the car showcases Nightly’s talent for gleaming soundscapes and captivating melodies; featured on top of lush and easy-going vocals. This is swiftly followed by another pre-released favourite, you should probably just hang up.
As we move through the album, we are delivered a stunning instrumental interlude on track number three – (howitfeels). And after this, we come back to a more electronic-based melody on not like you. A relatable break-up track, not like you is filled with a pulsing tempo and layered synths; with the danceable melody juxtaposing the emotive and melancholic lyrical content. And on the subsequent tracks, mess in my head and time online, we continue to get more of the dynamic synths and high energy instrumentation; although with a hint of rock added into the vibrant soundscape.
“From the beginning we’ve wanted to be an album band. ‘night, love you.’ was the sentiment behind the band name, so in a way thiss is our semi-self titled debut. It’s deeply personal, and we couldn’t be more proud of this record. All of it was created in Joey’s basement which feels full circle from where we started, making songs in a tiny apartment. All of the songs were written this year with the exception of the closing track which is one of the first songs we ever wrote. We always knew that we wanted to save it for our debut record, now it’s finally yours.”
Track 7, whisky, breaks up the album with a 22 second interlude that features an audio clip of the band having fun, and singing an acapella verse about drinking whisky.
Heading into the second half of the album, this is kicked off with another pre-released track, summer. With languid vocals and laid-back pop melodies, summer definitely brings that feeling of heart-warming nostalgia. We then get a blend of slightly more sombre and low-tempo tracks as we move towards the end of the album, with songs such as older and so sly. With warbling guitars and a more acoustic led instrumental, there is something so soft and quietly emotional about olderthat makes it a stand out on the album. And on songs such as lose a friend and the movies, we circle back round to that signature Nightly sound that features gleaming synths, addictive alt-pop melodies and languid vocals.
Ending the EP is brand new track i got so much to tell you, which is the perfect song to end the album on. Bringing the record to a close on a gentle and peaceful note, the track echoes with soft synths and full-bodied reverb to accompany a stripped back instrumental. And playing out the final notes of the album is a long harmonious note that conclusively brings night, love you to an end.
A stunning album that paints a rich and diverse soundscape of gentle pop melodies, up-tempo ethereal synth tones and dance/electro beats; this stunning collection of alt-pop instrumentals, alongside striking vocals, is certainly not one to miss. So definitely make sure to give night, love you a listen; and for more on Nightly, head over to their socials @nightly
Posted By Stevie Carter
BUSK MUSIC 