March 6, 2019

Night Beats Myth Of A Man

7 / 10

Night Beats released their fourth full-length album Myth Of A Man. This effort marks a new direction highlighting the songwriting of Danny Lee Blackwell (front man guitarist) in collaboration with Dan Auerbach and other guest writers. The touring band for Night Beats was not involved in the writing and production of the album. The performances on Myth Of A Man are from Blackwell, and a host of Nashville session musicians for a tight vintage sound.

Night Beats has always played retro rock but usually with plenty of time for fuzzed out guitar solos and driving energy. The new album is focused on vocals, song structures and radio friendly sounds. At times the songs sound very Dan Auerbach at others Danny Lee Blackwell‘s personal style comes through. The arrangements are brand new for Night Beats with kitchy keyboards and layered instruments and classic country rock slide guitar and solos.

Myth Of A Man does have some wonderful songwriting in a retro vintage style that is more Dan Auerbach than Night Beats. The collaboration between Dan Auerbach and Danny Lee Blackwell is the main focus of the album. The question is will the investment in the songwriting collaboration and production reach the audience that a talented band like Night Beats deserves?

Night Beats pervious album, Who Sold My Generation was a high energy album layered with Jimi Hendrix styled garage rock and virtuoso guitar much like their other albums Sonic Bloom and the 2011 self-titled debut. Those albums left room for psychedelic experimentation, improvisation and noisy rock. These elements which seemed to be a defining feature of Night Beats are less noticable on Myth Of A Man. Myth Of A Man goes into songwriting, pop appeal, and ultra clean pop production with Dan Aurbachs singature hooks.

Night Beats Myth Of A Man is something entirely new for Night Beats. For me personally I love the retro sounds and the high quality production but it does not sound like what I have known as Night Beats. Time will tell if this shift in good but for now I’ll just enjoy the music for what it is and have it repeating in my head all day.