Search - Nights Like These :: Sunlight at Secondhand

A Well Executed Switch Up

D. Miller | Grand Rapids, MI | 10/18/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I must admit I was a bit taken back by NLT second major label album; as I wasn't attacked by that tired metalcore/melodic/breakdown formula tha tgreeted me on their first album. But after a couple listens I was damn impressed.



I got really into their first demo's back when they were another raw grind sounding band. Then they signed to Victory and got that fine production gloss to their old songs with a couple new ones. But it was downright catchy and I couldn't help but get immeresed in it's overabundance of good old fashioned headbanging glory romps.



Now with this album their actually displaying a diverse songwriting technique and a knack for keeping true to their southern musical roots. While still remaining brutal and honest musicians. Instead of hamming out the same tired breakdown/mosh/breakdown formula that too many bands depend on. Songs like 'Claw your Way out' & 'Samsara' are very engaging and just trudge into these grey dirgy, unpolished melodies. Even an Instrumental beauty makes it's way out of the southern sludge 'Collective Unconscious' is a rather epic number with some intricately played guitar solos. 'Empty Lungs' & 'Electric Winds' Are Proof that they can still deal out that brutal hardcore pain with that old fashioned 'The Faithless' Melodies. My two favorites so far. Overall the album just takes on this no holds barred unhinged and unsatisfied vibe tha tif you don't click with it, it won't click with you. But it's 10x better then The Faithless.



It's really cool to see a band who debuted with an album of tired proportions but somewhat memorable results crank out something so powerful and diverse in the overkilled world of heavy music. NLT Have truly outdone themselves and you can tell how aware of their changing sound they are. All talented bands evolve and this band did. Without sacrificing any of their game. Truly amazing stuff here. Like I said before; Too Raw For Victory."

Step Forward

Nicholas B. Onder | Nashville, TN | 10/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having known these guys back in the Memphis scene days, I must say I am staggered at how far the guys have come over the past year.

For those who didn't know, the majority of the material on "The Faithless" has been in the bands repetoire for years, so "Sunlight..." is the first real representation of what they've been up to lately and, wow, I'm impressed.



Stylistically, fans should be prepared for some real evolution in their sound. On this record, the band has really latched onto their Southern Doom/Sludge roots. In general the songs are slower, more bombastic and darkly touching.

True, gone is much of the relentless intensity and death metal passages of the first record (though not entirely), however, as a whole, here we are presented with a much more refined songwriting proccess, more mature thematic approaches and an excellent depth in sound and production which makes this album very refreshing and entirely rewarding.



The amazing track "Claw Your Way Out" alone is worth purchasing this record for, and is one of the best heavy songs I've heard in years.



Lyrically, the band still tackles issues regarding self-loathing, renewal, and the sense of despair, yet hope, that permeates anyone who has spent their life growing up in a place like Memphis, TN. Billy frantically chants lyrics over and over, not unlike mantras that stress the soul behind the words and accentuates the subtle Hindu/Budhist concepts of death of the outer self and renewal within the lyrics. There is alot to take in here and the words and music marry perfectly.





I will warn, however, that for some this will be one of those records that takes a few listens to really grasp. There is alot going on and alot to take in and repeated listenings will prove very rewarding for those with the patience to try and really grasp whats going on here.



The one minor flaw I have with the album is the clean vocals on track #2. They feel very out of place, don't really blend with the feel of the rest of the album and, frankly, are rather poorly performed. However, they are very brief and easy to look past.



That being said, I can safely say that this is the best, most original and truly satisfying heavy album of 2007."