Bright Nights

When Allo Darlin called it quits in 2016, onetime Tender Trap member Elizabeth Morris and band had released three remarkably consistent, critically acclaimed albums within five years -- their alternately bouncy and melancholy songs, tuneful melodies, and earnest, untrained vocals were quintessentially indie pop. After getting back in touch via Zoom calls while sheltering from COVID-19 in the early 2020s, the London quartet officially reunited in 2023 for a pair of U.K. shows that sold out in minutes. They went on to write and record Bright Nights, their fourth album and first in 11 years. Drawing on emotional experiences from the preceding ten years, the LP may be a bit more reflective in nature than their previous releases, but fans can take heart that otherwise, its like they never left. Tender opener "In the Spring" starts things off with the recollection of dreams ("Come lay your head next to mine/I got a secret Ive been trying to tell you for some time"). The lullaby-like songs drum-less arrangement of acoustic rhythm guitar, melodic lead guitar, and strings draws us into a pastoral daydream world full of reassurance and nurturing sunlight. Allo Darlin soon pick up the tempo and introduce drums and keys on the more conflicted "Tricky Questions," although the albums warm glow never subsides, even on melancholic songs like the power pop-influenced "You Dont Think of Me at All," sung and written by bassist Bill Botting, and "Slow Motion," a stripped-back tune that Morris wrote about being in a car accident while pregnant and with her older daughter in the backseat. Some other highlights among a stream of teary-eyed, feel-good indie pop treats include the jangly "Cologne" and the boppy affection anthem "My Love Will Bring You Home." With tour dates planned after the albums release, fans can only hope that Allo Darlin stick around for more music, but if Bright Nights turns out to be their swan song, its quite a satisfying one. ~ Marcy Donelson