Bright Nights

“Bright Nights” Allo Darlin’
4th album from the London-based, four-piece band, which is led by Australian lead singer-songwriter, Elizabeth Morris. Blends elements of folk pop, Brit pop and just a hint of country. The music is comfortable, familiar and charming. Lots of jangly guitars, inviting harmonies and memorable melodies. The lyrics explore life, family and how things change with the passing of time. But all very reassuring and connecting. RIYL: early Belle and Sebastian, Camera Obscura, The Essex Green, Tullycraft.
— Francis

Recommended: 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 1. FCC on Track 11.

1. (3:21) Leaves In The Spring — Gentle and spare wistful ballad. Strummed acoustic guitar, with orchestral backing and some reverbed electric guitar as well. No drums. Beautiful. ***
2. (3:40) Tricky Questions — Catchy, lilting jangle pop. Bass and drums provide a nice bounce to the hooky melody. First single. ****
3. (3:17) My Love Will Bring You Home — Up-tempo folk pop with a driving rhythm, jangly guitars and electric guitar riffs in the lead breaks. ****
township jive. ****
4. (3:51) Northern Waters — Playful, dreamy and fun fingerpicked guitar folk pop. Verses that are reminiscent of “Crazy Love, Vol. II” from Paul Simon’s “Graceland” album, which incorporates elements of South African
5. (3:07) You Don’t Think Of Me At All — Guitar-forward Americana. Written and sung by bassist, Bill Botting.
6. (3:11) Historic Times — Rapidly strummed guitar, shimmering and chimey bell-like synths and syncopated drums.
7. (3:14) Cologne (Clean Edit) — Feel-good, jangly folk pop. Throwback sound harking back to the folk-rock era of the late 60s with artists such as the Byrds, Buffalo Springfield or even Dylan (but with female lead vocals). ****
8. (3:19) Stars — Bigger wall-of-sound guitar rock.
9. (2:24) Slow Motion — Stripped back, country-flavored acoustic guitar tune about when Morris was in a car accident while pregnant — with her older daughter also in the backseat. Reminiscent of Waxahatchee.
10. (3:25) Bright Nights — Confident, moderately anthemic, rolling folk pop closer. A touch of country influences. Nice. ***
11. (3:14) Cologne (Unedited) — FCC: shitty — Unedited version of Track 7.