Breakout rock band Night Riots released their first full-length album Love Gloom on Oct 21. Night Riots draws influence from bands like The Cure, The Killers and U2 but in a way that is not too obvious, making their sound all their own. Night Riots intelligently took advantage of using interludes on the 15-track Love Gloom which helps separate the album into distinguishable sections.
The introduction, “Ego Sum In Colubrum” which loosely translates to “I am a Serpent” sets the tone for the first part of the album, which sounds like it could take place in a dungeon. The introduction flows right into “Nothing Personal,” which fits into the above statement, while being a narcissistic declaration of power. This song has a heavy Nine Inch Nails sound and has persistent guitar riffs that begin acoustic and then turn into something much darker.
“Fangs” has a pretty rhythm and swaying melody that explain the obsessive side of falling for someone who may be dangerous. “Contagious”, the song that put Night Riots on the map in 2014, has an enticing intro that gets riled up in the chorus. “Work It” has an uncontrollably catchy melody, that allows Travis Hawley’s soulful vocals to take the lead. A buzzing guitar riff mid-song brings attention back to the instrumentation.
“Interlude I – Manus Loquimini Veritatem” sets a dark tone for the middle section of Love Gloom. “Don’t Kill the Messenger” is a heavily guitar driven song and we finally get to hear some of Rico Rodriguez’s drumming chops in “All For You”.
“Interlude II – Ego Flos Sum Luna” has a much cheerier tone than the first interlude and brings us into a calmer place for the finale of the album.
Love Gloom is a strong exhibition of modern rock with a solid foundation. Night Riots have filled the radio airwaves for two years now and this album is sure to keep them on that same track.