Midnight Movies are one of those bands that, for some reason or another, seem to be lost in my musical collection. Every time I get something new from them I am impressed with it, listen to it a lot and then pack it away only to dig it out again when something new from the Los Angeles band appears. I can’t explain it, there’s no excuse, as the band is worthy of my attention, but it just happens. Last year’s Lion The Girl found the group going through growing pains, a new lineup and label, but the band shined through and managed to create a dark and lovely release.
On the follow up to Lion The Girl, the group decided to put out the Nights EP, which is a reference to the first and last tunes on the release, a cover of The Moody Blues’ “Nights In White Satin.” The track was recorded in English and French, and showcases the trademarked brooding vocals from singer/drummer Gena Olivier. It’s an interesting pick for a cover, but one that suits the group very well. They capture the essence of the original track, with psychedelic guitars and a full on sonic jam session towards the end.
Also appearing on the EP are two new tunes, the barreling and drum pounding “Should Have Known,” which is reminiscent of a rock-infused Stereolab, as well as the more subdued and electronic “Stormy Eyes.” Rounding out the EP are two remixes for older songs, “Souvenirs” from Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Nick Zinner and James Iha’s take on “Patient Eye.” Both these remixes breathe new life in the older songs, and it makes me want to revisit those older Midnight Movies albums yet once again. Well, that and get them spinning on the dance floor late on a Saturday night.
“Nights In White Satin”
