Los Angeles – The duo comprising synth-pop band, Night Terrors of 1927, formulate an interesting pair. Blake Sennett (guitarist) was a member of the successful indie rock band Rilo Kiley and The Elected. Jarrod Gorbel (vocals) was the singer of The Honorary Title. The two guys met in 2010 through mutual friends with no intentions of creating a band. About a year later, they started getting together casually to work on songs that fell out of their comfort zone. It was clear that both guys were trying to discover what they wanted out of music.

After being musicians with other acts, they still weren’t entirely fulfilled emotionally or artistically. The creative juices started kicking in and in 2013 they released a single, “Watch The World Go Dark,” online under the mysterious moniker Night Terrors of 1927. With much potential and praise from numerous publications, Atlantic Records snapped them up. They released their debut EP, Guilty Pleas, in November 2013 and went on tour to support that release. Last September, they issued a four-track EP, Anything to Anyone, which continued their anthem-driven ways. Those songs on the EP carried over to the 11-track compilation known as Everything’s Coming Up Roses, out January 20. The Los Angeles-based duo’s debut full-length is bursting with nostalgia, catharsis, and beauty in so many ways.

“Dust and Bones,” which was originally on their 2013 EP, opens the record in a familiar way for previous fans. With Gorbel’s larger-than-life vocals present and Sennett’s masterful synth work, “Dust and Bones” feels just as great as it did over a year ago. Brand new song, “Running in Place,” hits the floor running. It features Gorbel singing in a slightly darker manner. The song is packed with oomph and showcases background harmonies to really kick the chorus into high gear. Night Terrors of 1927 perform songs like everything is on the line at all times. There’s so much gusto and glory found within their material that doesn’t feel like a retread of other musicians. “Perfect Day” slides in with a milder tempo, but still keeps the listener’s head bobbing back and forth. The combination of Gorbel’s power vocals and Sennett’s glossy guitar contribution pushes this gem into a whole new category for Night Terrors of 1927.

“When You Were Mine (ft. Tegan & Sara)” is the band’s gloriously epic single. Gorbel croons along with Tegan & Sara about the likes of a relationship on the verge of being lost forever. The dynamic contrast of the male/female voices works wonders for this superb indie-synth jam.  In a recent interview with Best New Bands, Gorbel explained how the collaboration came about.

Just when you think you have this band figured out, they throw you a curve ball with “Novocaine,” a gentle tune that displays Gorbel’s earnest lyrical side. “It Would Be An Honor” starts off with rapid piano keys, which quickly unravel into sounding like something from The Killers’ Hot Fuss era. Frankly, if I had to compare Night Terrors of 1927’s tone it would fall in the hybrid of The Killers, M83, and AFI. The amalgamation of modern rock with the pinnacle of 80s pop may be the most accurate depiction.

Three of the final four songs appear on the band’s previous EP, but they are still arguably the best songs Night Terrors of 1927 have produced. “Always Be One” provides the finest chorus of all their songs. Gorbel’s sings with a significant amount of vitality and power. Sennett drives the song with dazzling beats that oscillates in volume. “Shine” brings down the tempo once again, yet are these guys even capable of making a false move? Gorbel expresses he “doesn’t want to be a gambler all his life,” but the gamble he’s making with this band is perhaps his finest wager yet. This is easily the freshest sounding band in years occupying the territory of indie-pop. There appears to be an abundance of compassion and spirit embedded within the duo’s music. The labor of their efforts is clearly shown encompassing an 11-track LP full of musical layers, relatable lyrics, and a vibe unrivaled in the genre. The spirited intensity that is established is worth hearing for any and all individual listeners.

Check out Night Terrors of 1927’s Facebook for their upcoming North American tour supporting Bleachers and Joywave.

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Sean Kayden

His father has always been an avid fan of 70s and 80s artists. He introduced Sean at an early age to the likes of many rock groups of that era. In the late 90s, Sean acquired a fondness for the likes of such alternative bands as Smashing Pumpkins, Goo Goo Dolls, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. In high school, he gravitated towards artists like Brand New, Saves The Day, and Fall Out Boy. As Sean entered California State University Fullerton, where he earned his BA in Radio/TV/Film, his music taste expanded to the realm of Broken Social Scene, The National, and Death Cab For Cutie. For as long as Sean can remember, he has always had the desire of launching his own stories that would someday be presented through television, film, and print. This form of expression continuously uplifts his spirit. Sean is a certified TRX fitness trainer and teaches group classes as well.

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