Tiger Lounge, Manchester - 15/11/05

"They once played as Damo Suzuki's backing band, so it isn't particularly surprising that The Nightjars travel in a similar direction with their own material. In this particular case, this is no bad thing. There's a definite penchant for droning 70's krautrock wig-outs, but it's done with authority and a keen melodic focus. Furthermore, such a sound is updated by an equal interest in more modern complimentary influences. Shades of Tortoise, Yo La Tengo and Sonic Youth make a worthy addition to the sound.

I wouldn’t normally mention the words "good" and "musicianship" in the same sentence, but here, it’s quite hard to ignore. Seamus O’Kane seems to have been born with a pair of drum sticks in his hand, whilst Ollie Wright simultaneously tackles vocal duties and awkward bass lines with apparent ease.

The Nightjars may sit toward the more technical end of the spectrum, but it is technique used to colour rather than bedazzle."

Review by DH