Night Club - Black Leather Heart

Night Club

Black Leather Heart
self-released; 2014

4.2 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

By Ethan Skelton

As I listen to the pulsing infection of these L.A. cats Night Club doing their synth pop thing, I can't help but toss my head to the side like I'm at the Roxbury. The music doesn't try to be over the top and keeps things really slick. Like a sexy ‘80s jam, which leans on a melody that entices and haunts. The mix is right on thick with bass reverb and satisfying highs. Emily Kavanaugh's vocals are alluring to say the least. Most of the record had me thinking of Alexis from Sleigh Bells, but more coherent and in the lower chest voice.

It's pretty clear this duo knows their way around a hook and it's all the more impressive that they find their darker intentions in such an easily syrup inducing genre. Black Leather Heart is well rounded so make note to go out and find the full length coming to a media outlet near you. The title speaks for the sound in that these five gems touch on the blackness of love, the leathery callous of hurt and defense and the heart of passion whether artful and/or sexual. And then there's the INXS cover. What more do you want?

No one can resist the driving bass and clap of "She Wants To Play With Fire" easily the sexiest song of the album. The bridge alludes to Depeche Mode and it's emphasized in the four-note motif of the chorus - "Strangelove" anyone? I dig it regardless. The keys dance up and down in sly fashion as if tempting you into a trance. The next track feels derived from the first, drawing more power from an instantly catchy melody and less hypnotizing effects. 

Night Club doesn’t pull out too many stops when it comes to the song crafting. They find cute and rich lines, add some pleading harmony and sprinkle on the ‘80s gold. Synth pop is bridging the gap of 30 years like no other and these guys are taking things to a new level. I think it's time we stopped and noticed. Not enough people get down with this brand but I think it's still yet to fully bloom. Having played in a synth pop group myself, I know first-hand what the scene looks like and how talented the youth involved are.

"Not In Love" is the lone ballad or sad song if you will and it's just humbling and gorgeous. Hits you right in the feels with that juxtaposing bright keyboard and melancholy mood setting. The verses leave things simple and then things get real. The beat entrances and the piano trades in for the fuzz of synth we all know and love. Do yourself a solid and get familiar with Night Club. You'll be ahead of the curve when everyone else joins up.

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