A complete experience
Electronic indie group NightNight has released their new album, Love Decayed. This is a truly eclectic record that spans multiple genres. with influences on display including Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins and Nine Inch Nails. What makes the album such a rich experience is its ability to change between lush acoustic arrangements and pounding bass hits. The soundscape of this album consists of both analog and digital sounds, which stretches these songs and keeps things fresh for the album’s entire run time.
“Maybe It’s Too Late” begins with a doubled synth line that glides over electronic drums. The bass digs deep into a slow groove that contrasts with the simple beat. The vocals drag through the song at a slower pace, giving the track a sense of darkness and mystique. It’s as if the band summons the ghost of the Cure. The repetitive nature of this and other songs creates a hypnotic loop. The lyrics “Maybe now we’ll never know/Such a risk to take/My stomach hurts/My body aches” describes the feelings of a bad trip. “On His Mind” is a track with a similar feel, and describes a stalker in the night and how the speaker fears for his victims. The pulsing bass and stark beat compliment the swells of synth and the smoke-laden vocal. This track has the first use of strings panned to the sides which lend an atmosphere of horror.
“Love Decayed” is the first song that is primarily guitar-driven. A space rock bassline leans against acoustic guitars and the baleful vocals. At the halfway point, NightNight veers hard into stoner rock territory. The heavily distorted and delayed guitars feel as if they are taken straight out of an Earthless or Pink Floyd album. “Little Sister” is a darkly provocative track that blends eroticism with an all too danceable rhythm. It’s one of those songs that is more menacing than it seems. “Their Man” takes another left turn into the acoustic realm. The song consists of vocals, guitar, and cello. The modalities of the guitar transition between major and minor, weaving the two together. The cello provides a simple line of ascending notes which compliments the other instruments. It adds a deep shadow to the tone, accentuating the sound.
Love Decayed is a collection of tracks that compliment and contrast each other. This release is a prime example of how the album format can take a listener on a fulfilling journey through shades of darkness and light.
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