Ahead of their show on 10th October at Stereo, Caitlin Jewels reviews the band and their new album after a 10 year hiatus!
In a way that feels like coming home, Allo Darlin’ returns from a ten year hiatus with a brand new album! ‘Bright Nights’ is the perfect blend of indiepop and nostalgic folk, following on from the emotional tide of their time away.
The Anglo-Australian quartet, composed of: Elizabeth Morris on lead vocals, Paul Rains on guitar, Michael Collins on drums, and Bill Botting on bass, fill each performance with an infectious vibrancy that makes it clear to the audience how deeply they adore both writing and performing their music. Drawing inspiration from an amalgamation of classic pop, folk, and country, the album weaves an intricate tale of vulnerability, heartbreak, and emotional trust falls, with every song fitting seamlessly into the next. Each song of the ten track album feels intentionally placed, creating an incredibly immersive listening experience, one that is sure to only surpass expectations live.
The timeless nature of ‘Bright Nights’ is undeniably effervescent, with tracks such as, ‘Historic Times’, ‘Stars’, and ‘My Love Will Bring You Home’ broadcasting the true talent of each band member. ‘Historic Times’ maintains a catchy percussion throughout, with introspective musings on the magic of love, “Light me up like a thousand fireflies, oh light me up in your arms tonight.” The introduction of layered vocals in the background of ‘Historic Times’ definitely makes this one of the album’s best songs, with its warm melodies encapsulating that feel good reminiscence that follows on from Allo Darlin’s music.
‘My Love Will Bring You Home’ is Morris’ own ode to her daughters, disguised as a country love song. The bass and drums in particular further add a sense of familial security to ‘Bright Nights’ as a whole, “looking forward to the day I’m coming back to you,” can easily be applied to our feelings on Allo Darlin’ returning back to the touring scene!
‘Stars’ opens with Morris’ isolated vocals over a powerful silence, with the rest of the band following in short succession. This comforting anthem of steadiness and devotion differs in tone from the rest of the album, whilst remaining reassuring, it rings almost bittersweet of the dedication to love. Though Allo Darlin’ writes “It’s a mystery to me just how I landed”, it’s no mystery to the listener how incredibly talented the band is at immersing their audience within the story of their album.
The strength of Allo Darlin’s live performances can only be rivalled by their equally compelling discography. The band boasts three other albums, each packed with numerous lyrically powerful songs. With their indie folk influence, the band is reminiscent of artists such as The Paper Kites, showcasing their emotionally charged lyrics, and the ability to create rising crescendos that capture the audience as seen with The 502s, yet their individuality is unmatched. If soft guitar solos and hard hitting drum beats are your style, then make sure to catch their performance on October 10th at Stereo on Renfield Lane! With The Just Joans as their opening act, and their vivacity in performing, Allo Darlin’ will surely make the night a show to remember.
Image credit: Allo Darlin’
