Live Review: 'Stay Tonight' with Niterunner's silky smooth synth-pop

I've said it before and I'll say it again: a family that synth-pops together stays together, and there's no greater proof of that than Byron Bay trio NITERUNNER. They've just dropped 'Stay Tonight', a dreamy and downtempo ode to love.

Initially a solo project of synth player Daniel Suesskow, the band became a trio with the inclusion of Andrea on writing and vocals, and Cale for live drums. That was back in 2014 - since then the band have delivered a steady slew of killer singles like 'Long Road' from 2017, or 'Without You' from earlier this year. 'Stay Tonight' is the same tight pop we've come to expect from Niterunner, with a greater emphasis on nuanced groove and deep songwriting.

Classic arpeggiated synth sets the pace, matched nicely with a simple reverb-soaked boat. Andrea's vocals effortlessly soar over the top with tiny layers of delay and reverb, keeping the listener grounded in the otherwise hazy sounds. The chorus is a wash of extra synth layers and a catchy vocal hook, and the rest of the track grows in subtle ways without sacrificing the minimal and dreamy vibe of the track. As if it wasn't already like the soundtrack to a lost John Hughes movie, there's even a guitar solo towards the end which nicely rounds out the steady nostalgic progression.

I've said previously that Niterunner are experts at this throwback vibe, so much so I can almost picture what kind of movie scene this might have scored. With 'Stay Tonight', I picture two lovers embracing with the shadows of candles dancing across their faces. Maybe when the guitar solo comes in they kiss or something. I dunno, I'm not a director! But what I do know is that Niterunner have something truly special on their hands, and with each track drop out they prove themselves again and again. Here's hoping for a future EP to really get this fam the spotlight they deserve!

'Stay Tonight' is out now on Stoney Roads Records.

IMAGE: SUPPLIED

WORDS BY MAX LEWIS

LISTEN TO MORE NEW MUSIC HERE

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