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Nightlights debut EP Long Way Home is a throwback to the post-emo years (circa 2005-07); when childhood broken hearts were traded in for Gibson SG’s and Marshall half stacks. It is the same era where singing was considered lame, but screaming was a little too off putting. Yet, Nightlights finds a way to keep it modern. With palm mutes and single string riffs a plenty, the five mid-fast tempo’d songs found on Long Way Home are surely charming.
Hailing from Orlando, FL, Nightlights surely seem to hate their home town; “This is the city of f*%k ups, where everything and every day feels the same.” Being a native of Orlando myself, I can’t seem to feel any differently, and commend them on their bravery to openly express the angst of being stuck with such honesty. You see, Orlando is a town birthed by Disney World. Only, when you travel out of the Disney area, you find a town ruled by corporate cliche, where cliques and scene’s are all fighting for one thing, power. The punk’s have no chance, but seemingly have no motivation to leave.
Long Way Home wishes to be a plane ticket out. With throaty vocals yelling cries of frustration and re-affirming guitars; Long Way Home is an open letter to Orlando, signed with a punch in the face. Opening track Ghost Town is a jagged approach to the post emo formula. Octaves, power chords, and cymbals oh my, though not completely done the cliche’ way. Singer Matt Messore finds a way to place himself in front of turbulent sounds of irritation to make sure his words aren’t getting lost in the mix. Ghost Town is a flawless example a song with a kick.
Bluffington relies on structured repetition to push the message forward. It is, as are most songs off Long Way Home, a standard post-emo-punk song. Yet, to take away credit from Nightlights because they rely on simplistic song structures would be ludicrous. Each song is heavy, punky, and ultimately enjoyable. Long Way Home is a well done revision to a good ol’ scene.
And listen to the lyrics, because the band is right. Good job Nightlights.