Album Review: Nighttime

Relatively new Wellington based 3 piece outfit Hang Glider have been busy crafting their debut album Nighttime. 

Bonding over a self-proclaimed love of Whiskey, Grunge and the darker side of the 90’s dance scene I was intrigued and hoping to trip out on a sonic explosion that led me to places I have never been before. 

Yep, I set myself high expectations. Why not?

The opening title track chugs in nicely with a dark bluesy feel. The chorus refrain over a pounding snare sets the tone of what is to follow. Not very explosive but intriguing.

My Love adds a twist to the standard bluesy vibe and is one of the standout tracks as it moves away in a different direction and hints at what I eventually connect with.

I will admit that the next few songs had me drifting a bit on first listen. I found myself losing a connection to the music. All the musical ingredients are there, all exactly where they should be. All being processed in the right way but something just wasn’t grabbing me. Not hooking me in completely and making me feel anything in particular.

The one track that did pull me in on that first listen was the last track on the album, Tell Me What You Want Me To Be. Quite an apt title as at this point I was wondering what do Hang Glider want to be? It’s increased tempo and almost psychobilly vibe that then drops into an unexpected breakdown with Emma’s backing vocals blending nicely had me intrigued once again.

So round two.

Round three.

Volume up max for round 4.

Now I was getting it. I always do loud but this album NEEDS to be played loud. 

With each spin I found myself discovering hidden gems in each track. Little hooks, subtle twists, bursts of energy and I was finally on that trip I was expecting. 

Hang Glider are a subtle beast. In parts their music can be pummeling, riff-heavy and twisted but that is mainly hidden under the guise of a standard bluesy rock band which is what tripped me up on the first listen. 

Like the first time I heard Tranquility Base Hotel by Arctic Monkeys I struggled to connect with its slower pace and energy but now it is one of my favourite AM albums. Sometimes you just have to keep going and with Nighttime I am glad I did. 

The collection of songs on Nighttime are clearly going to translate well in a live setting and if Hang Glider build on this and take things further in unexpected directions then we could have something special.