Nightlights

Nightlights: Long Way HomeLong Way Home (2010)
Anchorless Records

Reviewer Rating: 3

User Rating:

Contributed by: mikexdudemikexdude
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on June 18th 2010When No Harm Done was still an active force, I was only a casual listener. I am pretty sure I did my best to ignore them. I remember being stupidly jealous that they were out touring at such a young age and I was rotting in my room, being a boring teenager too afraid of hard work. But for what they .

When No Harm Done was still an active force, I was only a casual listener. I am pretty sure I did my best to ignore them. I remember being stupidly jealous that they were out touring at such a young age and I was rotting in my room, being a boring teenager too afraid of hard work. But for what they were, they were undoubtedly a good melodic hardcore band. The first post-break-up project that I've heard, Nightlights, is more in in line with the Latterman variety. If that sounds up your alley, their debut EP Long Way Home will not let you down.

Vocalist Matt Messore does sound a lot like the gruff and scrappy Matt Canino, and does that repeating-of-lines thing (ex: "hold on and hold on and hold on and hold on x456765/ to those moments that hold meaning" in Latterman's "Doom! Doom! Dom!"). Track 3, "Bluffington" is almost Latterman by-the-book--the vocal intro, the open strings, the octave leads, the palm-muted verse... It is by no means an exact rip-off, but the influence is very much on their sleeves. They cite the Menzingers as an influence as well, and I hear a little of that too.

However, my favorite song is the least Latterman-sounding one: "Are You the Keymaster" reminds me more of Braid-esque chords on top of Small Brown Bike's flow. It's a heavy track in that post-hardcore way, and makes for a clear standout. If I were writing for Nightlights, I would definitely write more songs like this.

But that's because it has its own Identity--like I said, this sounds an awful lot like their influences. For a debut EP, I think it's excusable to be that forward. There's really no doubt in my mind that when it's time for a followup or full-length, they'll deliver.

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

jahscum (December 5, 2010)

are you a keymaster? is my favorite song off this record too. but i like demo version more.

notfeelingcreative (June 23, 2010)

Yeah, sounds a lot like latterman, but there is no more latterman, so it works out well!

mikexdude (June 21, 2010)

Agreed.

10feettall (June 21, 2010)

Mike, I see what you're saying. I can hear Latterman influence (Matt Canino's writing style in general), I didn't know that anything was labeled under The Menzingers as an influence or related band. I'm sure as they expand more they'll find their own sound. For a first EP though, I think this is passable & have some really catchy songs

Mary86 (June 21, 2010)

This band is pretty good & they do sound a lot like Latterman haha. I think this is a pretty legit review. I'm interested what they'll sound like on next record

mikexdude (June 21, 2010)

Also, 10feet, the press sheet said they were influenced by the Menzingers.

mikexdude (June 21, 2010)

I appreciate the feedback. I think you guys know what I mean by generic: there's a fine line between sounding like other bands vs. finding your own identity while using your influences. I don't think generic is a bad thing, but you wanted me to "review the album" and instead of using the nasty words: "this album is generic," I decided to be a bit more specific instead because the record does sound good. I wanted to give off the right implications.

xyovanx (June 21, 2010)

Every band these days are generic, I still think this review could have went a little better. I'm glad I hate youth crew music, it would be a generic review haha

10feettall (June 21, 2010)

I agree, not such a good review at all. It's impossible for punk bands to not be original anymore, especially with all this generic punk stuff going on. Every band rips stuff from all their influences. BTW, The Menzingers isn't much of an influence since they only have been around for a few years. They sound like all the other 'orgcore' classified band. However, it is nice to compare bands to other bands but let's be real hear, every punk band in this field all sounds the same....

mikexdude (June 20, 2010)

The review of my review*

mikexdude (June 20, 2010)

I appreciate the review, but did you stop to think that maybe comparing it to lots of other bands is a nicer way of saying "this band is generic."

xyovanx (June 20, 2010)

This review is garbage. You know a review sucks if all they really do is just compare them to bands & not actually review the album.

Blackjaw_ (June 19, 2010)

all of Latterman's songs are amazing. one of my absolute favourite bands.

mikexdude (June 19, 2010)

Well, Cos, I think at the very least, you're missing out. Pick up No Matter Where We Go. It's the only Latterman I enjoy, but I LOVE LOVE it.

Cos (June 19, 2010)

so its bad that I've never heard Latterman then?