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Thursday, October 29, 2009

Review: Wild Light - Adult Nights


Wild Light - Adult Nights
2009, Star Time International/Columbia Records


New Hampshire's own Wild Light seems to be on a major upward trajectory the past two years. From rave reviews by the LA Times and features in Rolling Stone, SPIN and Paste to a knockout performance at this year's SXSW festival, Wild Light seems to have the world on their platter. Their debut album, Adult Nights, looks to continue the run, supported by a tour with Irish rockers Bell X1.

Adult Nights amounts to two really good songs sandwiching ten mediocre songs. California On My Mind is a strong Pop/Americana tune that's very listenable. Unfortunately the song has little chance of strong commercial radio exposure. By the time the censors finish with the chorus there's little lyrical content to hear. The language is excessive and probably done more for shock value than anything else. This is unfortunate as it's actually a decent song. The closing number, Red House, is the best song on the disc. It's too bad it's saved for the final track as most listeners will never get this far. In between there's a lot of music with little energy. Exceptions are Call Me Home, which raises the energy level to a healthy deep breath, and My Father Was A Horse, where a little bit of effort and some cheesy Pop make for a decent listen. The rest is listenable, but bland and lifeless to the point of somnolence.

Wild Light essentially sleepwalks through Adult Nights, leaving a less-than-shining impression on a first time listener. The songwriting is bland with an energy level that competes for minimalist standing. Two decent tracks and two marginal tracks are the highlight of the experience. Adult Nights proves one concept: If this is what it's like to be an adult, who wants to grow up?

Rating: 1.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Wild Light at www.myspace.com/wildlight. You can purchase a copy of Adult Nights from Amazon.com, or a download from iTunes.

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