Rajan. Night Beats

Rajan is out and Night Beats really lays the psychedelic moods down. Not surprising based on its previous singles. It's laid on thick and thing unto the world. It may all sound, sometimes overly, familiar, but it sounds so nice. So, you won't hear me complaining.

Night Beats is Danny Lee Blackwell. He's responsible for the concept and the songs. Except for the drumming in two songs (Michael Scott) and the voice and harp on 'Osaka' (Ambrose Kenny Smith) everything you hear has been played, programmed and sung by Blackwell. So, should you not like the album, there's only one person to blame. Clarity is provided for.

As far as I'm concerned there's no need. Let me start with the ultra relaxed second track, 'Blue'. Over six minutes Night Beats takes us back to a 60s late night discotheque for the after party, if such a thing existed at the time. People lounging, sipping their last drink, smoking their very last cigarette and the band plays a late, late night track. The final dancers only have to cling to each other and move ever so slowly. 'Blue' has this great vibe bringing these images to mind. The song is so ultimately relaxed. Beyond French band Air with ease.

With one easy flick of the wrist, Night Beats moves into soul of the early 70s and all with a psychedelic undertone. In the way Blackwell sings or perhaps better records his vocals, and in the overall sound. The song without doubt has that light touch pre-funk guitar sound but underneath it all psych is bubbling. It is ever so subtle here. Again, things sound very familiar. Anyone can probably name a few songs 'Nightmare' reminds them of. It's irrelevant, the song is oh so nice.

Every other song brings a style change, making Rajan a very varied and because of it satisfying album. Some songs come dangerously close to things that already exist. Single 'Thank You' could have been called 'Sunny' instead, as I wrote before. And what does 'Motion Picture' make me think of? It's on the tip of my tongue. The song rocks more and has a tough lead guitar that gives the song a sense of urgency.

Mostly Rajan  is laidback though. Blackwell is not in a hurry in most songs. Lounging more than rocking he allows us to relax and undergo his songs while resting. It works, as I'm finding myself in an ever more relaxed mood while listening to Rajan. It's an ideal album for a warm summer's day.

Wout de Natris

You can listen to and order Rajan here:

https://nightbeats.bandcamp.com/album/rajan