Night Riots are a band that many people will have unintentionally listened to when their hit 2015 single Contagious was pretty much everywhere, thanks to lead singer Travis Hawley’s distinctive vocals and a unique glam but heavy rock sound.
It was only when I caught the band on The Maine’s tour years later and saw the song performed live that I put two and two together – and wondered how I never realized it was the same band with their unique sound. I still remember their captivating performance, how, despite being the support band, they had the attention of everybody in the room. Frontman Travis has been likened to Brandon Flowers of The Killers in terms of stage presence and I can’t help but agree – except I’d say that he also has that enticing – and perhaps even somewhat seductive – stage presence that only some lead singers seem to have.
Still, their brand new album, New State Of Mind is very different to their last album, Love Gloom, that was released in 2016 – and yet it’s still very clear that the band haven’t outgrown their roots.
The album begins with Tokyo Diamond Eyes which sounds quite different from what I remember Night Riots’ music to be, but the upbeat song starts the album off well. The poppy chorus can’t help but draw me in, tempting me to sing along. The first single from the album is already doing well for itself – the perfect synthy and uplifting track for summer, drawing in listeners anticipated for the album release.
Flashy Love is perhaps one of the most catchy songs on the album but does well as the second track; setting the scene for the rest of the synth-induced rock album. It’s one that many people will relate to and will no doubt become a firm favourite amongst fans and listeners. I find myself still singing it days later, relating to the lyrics more than I first anticipated.
The synth effects to Travis’ vocals on Loyal To The Game gives this track a real 80s gloomy feel to it – I’d almost go as far as to say it has some stoner rock vibes – but still holds your attention throughout. Vocalist Hawley certainly doesn’t need any changes to his voice which is talented enough as it is, but the experimental effects during this song really breaks up the album.
Talk About It is another distinctive song from the album. It’s an upbeat electro-pop banger, yet with a slightly sad story behind it when you really listen to the lyrics. Much like the bands popular Breaking Free from their 2016 Love Gloom album, the song forces you to give in and feel the emotion behind heartache, heartbreak and everything in between – but in a positive and upbeat way thanks to the contrasting uplifting and infectious beats.
Leave Us Alone is a party track in its own right and is one song that will be really interesting to see live – somehow I can see the audience both dancing and moshing to this song. Despite having a beat that makes you want to dance, it still has it’s own rock elements to it too.
New State Of Mind concludes with Enjoy The Ride, an enticing and indulgent song that offers a desirable beat – with even more seductive lyrics. An interesting song to end the album with – one I personally would have stuck right in the middle of the tracklisting, yet, somehow, the beat still stays with me long after the album has finished. The sexy stoner track is still a great end to the experimental album.
Night Riots’ New State Of Mind drops on the 26th July via Sumerian Records.
The indulgent New State Of Mind album sees Night Riots the band branch out with their sound but still keep their well-known electro-rock vibes.
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