Indie post-punk revivalists, Northern Light Exposure, formed in London in 2014. Inspired by the aurora borealis, their name aptly tags their atmospheric multi-layered post rock, while their sound nods to their forefathers: the likes of the Doves, The Cure, Interpol and Editors. The band was originally founded by songwriter Andrew Glen, off the back of a love of 80s bands Echo & The Bunnymen, The Chameleons & The Sound.
The band turned to producer Pat Collier - the mastermind behind the sound of so many of the bands that inspired them - to produce their first single 'Embers', followed by their debut 4 track EP 'An Honest Way of Living'. This work explored pacier, darker tones into their music in contrast to the sunnier sounds of 'Embers'. ‘An Honest Way Of Living’ was released in 2016, and the band took this on the road around the UK, playing numerous London shows, and supporting legendary post punk architects Chameleons Vox in York and Glasgow.
The shift from major to minor key lead the band to work with legendary producer Youth (aka Martin Glover) on their second EP 'Parting Shot'. Recorded at Miloko's 'The Pool' studios, and mixed at Youth's own Prism Sound studios by Michael Rendall, the EP see's the powerhouse behind both Echo & the Bunnymen's 'Meteorites' and The Jesus and Mary Chain's 'Damage & Joy' albums. This EP defines the band's darker sounds, with droning guitars, pulsating synths, thunderous drums, whilst still retaining the icy guitar riffs, glowering basslines and the moody melodic baritone of Glen's melodies. Glen explains:
"I realised when we were already a good way into making the record that these songs were really about me creating some form of distance from my past and coming to terms with things that are out of my control. It make's it sound like there's an underlying sombre tone, which I guess there is in parts, but we've done our best to make it uplifting at the same time". However, Andrew is keen to stress that it's not all gloom in NLE's world. The EP also reflects on the bands recent electronic direction. "We dabbled with synths in part on the last record, but this time round we spent a lot more time with Youth crafting the right sounds which we're all pleased with."
Amongst the EP that grounds the bands sound and delivers on the weight of their musical power, it closes with the epic grandeur of 'Further'. The track not only captures NLE's desire to stretch themselves to new limits, but as a whole 'Parting Shot' shows their willingness to experiment in what they regard to be their most accomplished work to date.
The 'Parting Shot' EP is due for release on 8th February 2019, with the lead single 'Parting Shot' due for release on 26th January 2019. The band will be taking this EP on the road throughout 2019, and plan to play around the UK.
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