Night Owls are a promising duo from Leeds featuring a singing drummer in Will Pollard, ably accompanied on guitar by long time friend Liam Waddell. They have a kind of grunge pop sound, which despite some limitations, translates into some highly listenable tunes.

There are just four tracks on `Informaldehyde’ so it is difficult to get an idea of how versatile they might be but based on what’s on offer here, these boys obviously know their way around a melody and can deliver a decent number.

‘Gilded Lily’ begins with an insistent dirty sounding riff that rocks back and forth, but my guess is that this is a more effective track on stage as it’s not the most exciting opening track. ‘She’ follows with a much more intense vibe, actually coming across as rather disturbing, as they riff away earnestly; it’s a game effort and offers a hint of what they are capable of, the lo-fi pop of the chorus an interesting twist on the otherwise dark intensity.

However, the second half shows the band’s true potential. ‘Why Me?’ owes a fair bit to their influences, but its dirty slow groove and killer chorus nails it. Then there’s the closing track, ‘Call Me Out’, which ticks all the boxes, its angular riff and superb hook make it melodically left field and what I imagine grunge pop should sound like – the deliberately clunky stop mid way through is a lovely touch.

On this showing, Night Owls are a band with potential; with a few more tracks like the last two in their repertoire they could be in with a shout.

3/5

‘Informaldehyde’ by Night Owls is out now on Till Deaf Do Us Party.

Night Owls links:Facebook|Twitter| Soundcloud

Words by Edward Layland (@EdwardLayland)