Album Review: Night Drive – Position II

Ethereal and Unapologetically ‘80s

From Stranger Things-esque synth sounds to introspective lyricism, Night Drive’s August 4 EP Position II is a transformative, immersive listen for hardcore electronic music fans and casual listeners alike.

Three piece band Night Drive have only released one full-length album since their debut in 2013, intermittently coming out with singles nearly every year. Position II, the sequel to their sophomore EP, is a brisk listen that bears immense depth — showing great growth in just a decade.

Introductory track “Digital Flower” takes no time in transporting the listener to the perm-filled, bright-colored era of the ‘80s with bubbly synths and catchy 808s.

Each song on the 22-minute EP delivers it’s own flare — maintaining steady cohesiveness while steering clear of repetitive notes. At just six tracks, Night Drive delivers an obtuse range of electronic music beyond prior releases.

“Summerwaves” is the notably rock-centered song on the album, steering into a direction of a relentless bass guitar’s resonances throughout.

“Those memories / They wrap around me / holding so tight / Takes me back where I belong,” a slightly echoed voice croons over an upbeat instrumentation.

Part of what makes the listening experience for Position II unique compared to Night Shift’s past discography is their willingness to dive into unfamiliar beats, synths and instrumentation — not to mention the lyricism that instantly deliver an otherworldly sentiment to the listener.

“Vultures” is the perfect track for the ending credits of an action-packed sci-fi film, fit with retrospective messages and futuristic beats.

Following the album’s mid-way track, “White Lights” and “Cover Your Eyes” both deliver a nuanced form of tension-building and instrument interpolation with artificial synths to blanket the listener in a penultimate, club-like ambiance.

The concluding song “Space Station,” transports the listener into a universally expansive experience, an endlessly fascinating, nearly four-minute ride.

Reflective lyricism insisting “nothing matters” and deeply resounding instrumentation make Position II a noteworthy leap forward for Night Drive’s experimental discography.