There is a vibrant sunset shimmering through Night Moves most recent album Can You Really Find Me as the songs breathe in the summer dusk and exhale soothing retro radio-friendly pop and indie folk rock, all weaving through modern electro flourishes as they unwind.
The band is the main focus of John Pelant (vocals, guitars, piano, keyboard, harmonica, beats, pedal steel), and Micky Alfano (bass) with Chuck Murlowski (guitar) and Mark Hanson (drums) helping out as the four-piece sashay their way through mellow moods while the album drips out. Opener “Mexico” brings to life that LA’s late 70’s feel with touches of Fleetwood Mac running throughout while the warbling poppy “Strands Align” takes a cue from The War On Drugs and is the first single from the group, but the album is chock full of tracks ready for prime time.
“Coconut Grove” uses a dance-ready beat and boogies with ease as does the more direct “Saving The Dark” while “Waiting For A Symphony” dips back into the late 70’s, but this time twists with a light disco feel over a funky bass line and layers of strings. The neon signs get lit along with the falsetto singing on the late night ready “Recollections” while “Ribboned Skies” tries to one-up that sound, but ends up less successful, sounding disjointed and overlong.
The group also has a strong roots based side as the stripped-down “Keep Me In Mind” mixes acoustic guitars and soaring harmonies winningly while “Angelina” blows some flutes and recalls the best of Delta Spirit as does the closing title track which brings back intoxicating layers of string work. Production from Jim Eno (founding member and drummer of Spoon) is top notch as Night Moves have crafted a smooth, lightly rippling soundtrack to the summer with Can You Really Find Me.
