This is the full length debut album from Manchester band The Nightjars, who look to the US for influences, rather than just trying to be the new Oasis. The album opens with the weakest track (‘You In A Fine Light’), which sounds like two different tracks mashed together. The vocals sound as if they were recorded in a separate room to the microphone, and seem to have very little in common with the music. Luckily it is all positive after that. The second song (‘Valentine’) sounds a little like the Small Faces, but with louder, angrier guitars. ‘Recognition In Crowd’ has a great chorus, similar to XTC’s ‘Senses Working Overtime’. Other tracks sound like The Replacements (‘Machines Down’), Hüsker Dü (‘Defeated’) and Sonic Youth (Out Of Love). ‘Logic Has No Part In It’ is slightly tinged with reggae, but in the style of The Clash, rather than The Police. The three tracks at the end of the album use more ‘jangly’ guitar reminiscent of early REM and Teenage Fanclub, and show a lighter side to the band. This is an enjoyable album from a band not afraid to show their influences, and who seem intent on having a good time and ensuring that all who hear them will too.
