Swedish rock band The Night Flight Orchestra are whisking us away to the 80's (again) with their upcoming seventh studio album ‘Give Us The Moon’. Combining nostalgic synth rock and lively classic rock, The Night Flight Orchestra have delivered an album full of impressive sounding, infectiously danceable tracks.
‘Give Us The Moon’ opens up with the scene setting ‘Final Call’ which shouts out all eight band members and jumps straight in with a reference to The Night Flight Orchestra’s penchant for flight related tracks and references. After boarding, the listener is launched with gusto into opening track ‘Stratus’ - a wonderful example of The Night Flight Orchestra’ signature sound. Next up we have ‘Shooting Velvet’, a song which would sound equally at home on a big festival stage as it would in a classic 80's movie scene - you know the exact ones, where the forlorn lovers have parted ways before they then realise they have made a huge mistake and have a big, emotional journey to reunite - like that.
‘Like The Beating Of A Heart’ is moodier and more roomy with it’s lengthy synth intro and more introspective lyrics giving some variety to the largely boppy classic rock that surrounds it, before ‘Melbourne, May I?’ reminds us that we are in the midst of a concept album, opening with an airline safety feature and takeoff sounds that fade into a big fun rock guitar tune. ‘Miraculous’ acts as a nice transition song between the big introduction of the album to the songs, with more substance in the latter half. The emotional ‘Paloma’ kicks off the second half of the album, hitting us with tear jerking lyrics like “You can see your reflection in the stars at night” and "There’s a future worth believing in”. ‘Cosmic Tide’ brings us back to earth with a huge proper rock song, and a big rock scream from Björn Strid to close it out.
Title track ‘Give Us The Moon’ highlights The Night Flight Orchestra’s ability to write really catchy songs with a simple singalong chorus, designed to be sung back at them by fans at future shows. ‘A Paris Point Of View’ emphasises and brings forward the groove that is buried through the rest of the album, giving it a funkier, more dance-along feel. ‘Runaways’ pulls us back to the album's narrative as we hop in a cab that takes us back to that same 80's movie soundtrack feel that we heard at the start on ‘Shooting Velvet’. ‘Runaways’ then fades out into the almost power metal intro of penultimate track ‘Way To Spend The Night’, an uplifting and uptempo love song that sets the scene for the monumental closing track that is ‘Stewardess, Empress, Hot Mess (And The Captain Of Pain)’.
An almost eight minute anthem wraps up ‘Give Us The Moon’ with atmospheric synths and twinkly fx that lead right into to a hearty rock instrumental and punchy vocals. The familiar comfort of The Night Flight Orchestra’s 80's sound balance out the occasional cringe lyrics. Sprinkling through the trademarks of The Night Flight Orchestra: place names, beautiful backing vocals, and danceable grooves; ‘Stewardess, Empress, Hot Mess (And The Captain Of Pain)’ is an excellent closing track.
Maybe The Night Flight Orchestra gave themselves such a long name to stand out from all the one-word named bands they draw inspiration from. With clear comparisons to Yes, Journey, Boston, and Kansas, The Night Flight Orchestra have worked for their place with a distinct 80's sound amongst more modern pop-rock.
Words: Kayleigh Fryer
Photos: The Night Flight Orchestra
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