The Nightjars is a highly respected Manchester band. Having made their name in the city as an explosive live act, the band took to their studio to write and produce a more studied, reflective and layered record. “People might be expecting another TOWARDS LIGHT [the band's previous recording] where the overall sound was fast and heavy,” explained Ollie Wright (bass and lead vocals). “Playing the early stuff was exciting and it was really flattering to be compared to bands like Sonic Youth and Husker Du, but Phil [Arnold, guitarist/vocals] and I write lots of different types of songs and have a wider range of influences than that. Also, TOWARDS LIGHT was the sound of the band playing live together, whereas on THE NIGHTJARS we were able to spend time overdubbing, experimenting with different layers and trying different recording techniques.” The band largely recorded and mixed their own record for the first time.

In a week when I received a fresh crop of great new records from signed artists I was reminded that there are many excellent bands are out there who are happy choosing to stay independent by making and selling their own records. The above synopsis explains all but the proof of success is in the listening. I could sum up my feelings by stating that 2 of the songs were quickly playlisted for our Sunday night radio show…

The opening track is one of those listed. ‘You In A Fine Light’ is a pounding and pacey indie rocker that fairly races with the rapid-fire vocal being chased every step of the way by telling guitar riffs. It’s distinctive, melodic and right for radio. Next track, ‘Valentine’, changes tack completely with its folk vibe and meandering pace. There’s definately a Beatles influence in there especially in the instrumental arangement. Not bad at all. The guys then stick to their guns with the next tune ‘Recognition In A Crowd’, albeit that the pace quickens in the choruses with some deft and deadly guitar work. This is another distinctive and original piece of work. ‘Defeated’ maintains the folk vibe but mixes in rocky instrumentals, keyboard and retro backing vocals to spice things up to great effect.

‘Out Of Love’ is a glacially paced, contemplative song with a stripped back instrumental backdrop that reminds me of Yank lo-fi rockers Low. Vocal harmonies edge in and then jangling guitars make a late entry to up the ante. It’s a beauty. ‘Logic Has No Part In It’ opens with a deadly drum roll before the vocal is launched with clipped guitar notes along for the ride. Then the whole band take over with an extended hard rock rush that is both exciting and compelling.

‘We Fall’ is slow but relentless as it adheres to a monotone vibe. ‘Machines Down’ is the second track we’ll be playing on Sunday and it bristles with pop sensibility and originality. Instruments dominate for a while and then the vocals bursts into vibrant and rampant life. There’s a cracking melody and a sound that could so easily chart. Brilliant! Remaining highlights include the country-tinged ‘In Parallel’ and the mesmerising folk rock of concluding track ‘Into The Sun.’

As a self-produced and self-written record this is quite an achievement, and provides a showcase that many bands would die for. I’m left wondering what a big-budget recording process could achieve for this band. I think it could be mind-blowing.

4/5

www.myspace.com/thenightjars