Since releasing their jaw-dropping debut album ‘Lift You Existence’ three years ago, New York/Californian-based group have leapt from strength to strength, playing slots at Hevy Fest and sharing stages alongside letlive., Norma Jean, Converge, and more. It’s incredibly impressive for a band that has members living in two cities, which are over 2,000 miles apart.
Their latest creation, ‘Into the Vanishing Light’, promises to be a strong follow-up to their debut release. Recorded with Ross Robinson (Slipknot, The Cure), it’s clear what Night Verses have on their agenda from the opening track: breakneck riffs, captivating vocals and, at times, a rather psychedelic atmosphere.
‘Connecting Hexes’ is colossal in every way, from the drumbeats to the riffs to Douglas Robinson’s astonishing vocals, while sheer adrenaline and energy combine with frenetic riffs to create ‘Faceless Youth’.
Robinson conveys desperation within the final refrain of ‘Growing Out of Orbit’; lyrics of “I’ll pull you out” sound frenetic and harried, complete with guttural screams in the background, completing the feeling of helplessness and heartbreak. ‘Blue Shades of the Sun’ picks up the place with slamming guitar work and slabs of pure, unadulterated energy, while title track ‘Phoenix III: Into the Vanishing Light’ picks up the pace once again. Again, Robinson displays his colossal talent – his vocals simply shine, ranging from quiet and powerful, to roaring and raging.
‘Panic and Pull Your Heart Out’ wouldn’t look at all out of place on a shoegaze album; a rather dreamy, if not trippy, atmosphere encapsulates this track, with Robinson matching his vocal style to the style of this song. It’s here that he really reaches out and captivates his audience with his staggering vocals; the range is simply phenomenal.
With ‘Into the Vanishing Light’, Night Verses have created a bold, dynamic, and engrossing album. Pouring a wide range of emotions into this album, they’ve shown that they’re not a one-trick pony; it’s an album that takes listeners on a journey, using intricate riffs and delicate touches, with simmering power hiding beneath the surface of it all.
JESS TAGLIANI