Rating: ***1/2
Nocturnal Animals are southern boys that kick out poppy alt-rock like nobody's business.
Their last record was called "Dark Lit Places" and I really loved it. I reviewed it right here if you wanna refresh your memory.
They're back with a new EP and I'm frankly pretty stoked to check it out. In fact, I'm surprised that I haven't checked it out yet seeing that it dropped back in August. I mean, it's October for chrissakes.
Well, I'm getting to it now and that's all that matters.
Be back in an hour.
Listen to "Margo" on Spotify here:
The party gets started with "Fake Love" and it's that familiar Nocturnal Animals sound. Solid opener here, with a solid hook and catchy chorus. Not bad. "Shiver" is everything I love about this band. This is single material for sure (it ended up being their second single off the EP). Really catchy. "Margot" is the first single and it's good. I don't love it though. It's kind of a different vibe for them if I'm being honest. Track four is "Dirty Eyes" and it's a little underwhelming. The record is definitely losing a little steam. I'm hoping the last two tracks can pull us out of this mini-lull. "Fever Dream" does just that. It's got a MUSE feel to it. This might actually be my favorite track on the album. "The Haunting" is where this record ends and it's more of a slow-burn. Lyrically, a little more depressing and contemplative, I enjoy the more serious look here. Chorus is intense and climactic, and a good way to end the EP.
Although I didn't enjoy it quite as much as "Dark Lit Places", I still really loved this effort from the band. Fans of Arctic Monkey's are still gonna really like this one. Strong recommend.