Album Review: David Gray – Nightjar

David Gray is one of the UK’s best loved singer-songwriters for good reason. His fourth album White Ladder became one of the best selling records of the 21st century, and his influence has been cited by artists like Adele, Hozier, and Ed Sheeran. With celebrations for the 20th anniversary of his fifth album firmly underway, David has seen fit to release a brand new collection of less-than-new material.

Nightjar has been toted as a companion piece to the anniversary edition of David’s seminal 2005 album Life In Slow Motion. For that reason, the songs are varied, all being written and recorded around the same time as that record but for one reason or another being left off the final cut. Opener When I Fall in Love is a drawn-out, heartfelt ballad, complete with recognisable drum machines and a tantalising chord progression. Money and The Easy Way Out continue this down-tempo aesthetic, the latter made up of dreamy keyboard glissandos and electric piano, while the former moves with a rhythmic bass line and beat, David’s layered vocals lifting the chorus high before brining the verses back to Earth.

The title track takes on an atmospheric, almost creepy quality that feels more like a nightmare than a dream, something that is abandoned by the following song Green Light. Although rough sounding, the drums being simple and the guitar and bass lines being buried somewhat in the mix, it’s one of a number of tracks including Mr. Bennet and Side Effects (May Also Include) that feel less that fully formed but have a charm and clear motive when it comes to the song beneath the arrangement. Some songs, like the excellent Wave, could easily be demos or the fully formed songs, with just David’s voice and piano guiding the listener to captivating effect. Poor John is another highlight, sounding like a golden-era REM tune.

This collection of songs is a brilliant addition to David’s catalogue not just for fans of Life In Slow Motion but for those interested in his the rest of his back catalogue, and his songwriting process. At times it doesn’t feel like a cohesive listen, but there’s plenty for everyone, and some stand out tracks that make you question why they weren’t included all those years ago.

Ryan Bulbeck

Writer and Musician, Ryan Bulbeck has been published with a number of online publications, and has worked with a myriad of great artists, both as a performer, and as a producer. His most recent band The 295 are still active, playing shows around the UK.