JD McPherson’s Nite Owls stands as a testament to his ever-evolving ability to weave vintage influences into something unmistakably fresh and innovative. Released in 2024, the album captures a vibrant sonic landscape that merges surf rock’s shimmering tones, baritone guitar depth, and the glam-fueled grit of ‘70s glitter rock. Building on the creative momentum from his 2018 holiday album Socks and tours with legends like Nick Lowe, Robert Plant, and Alison Krauss (even stepping in as the latter’s touring guitarist), McPherson delivers an electrifying collection that feels both timeless and groundbreaking.
Self-produced and recorded primarily in Chicago alongside Alex Hall, his longtime drummer and collaborator, Nite Owls showcases McPherson’s finely tuned ear for analog textures. His full touring band—Doug Corcoran, Beau Sample, and Chad Copelin—joins in to craft intricate, tactile arrangements. Backing vocals from Canadian rocker Bloodshot Bill lend an extra layer of grit on a handful of tracks. Together, they create a soundscape rich with buzzing electric guitars, pulsing rhythms, and atmospheric organ flourishes, evoking the spirit of a souped-up hot rod roaring into the night.
The album kicks off with “Sunshine Getaway,” a track co-written with The Cactus Blossoms’ Burkum and Torrey. With its infectious glam-rock swagger reminiscent of T. Rex, the song brims with yearning and wit. McPherson’s lyrics capture the feeling of being stuck and dreaming of brighter horizons: “Somebody send me a sunshine getaway.” It’s a theme he revisits throughout the album, blending introspection with breezy, hook-laden melodies.
From the shimmering surf tones of “Just Like Summer” to the retro-new wave charm of “Sunshine Summer” and “The Rock and Roll Girls,” McPherson’s knack for fusing genres shines brightly. His love for the big-wave surf guitar tradition takes center stage on the instrumental “The Phantom of New Rochelle,” a reverb-soaked nod to Dick Dale and Ennio Morricone that feels like a cinematic daydream. Tracks like “Shining Like Gold” offer nostalgic glances at rock ‘n’ roll’s golden era, while “Baby Blues” adds a dose of glam polish.
Philosophically, the album carries an undercurrent of nocturnal solitude, inspired by the quiet introspection of Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks. McPherson’s lyrics may not aim for poetic profundity, but their straightforward charm pairs perfectly with the album’s lush soundscapes. Recorded at Reliable Recorders in Chicago, the project reflects years of songwriting, reimagined and refined to capture McPherson’s vision of reverb-drenched, All-American rock ‘n’ roll. With Nite Owls, McPherson offers a vibrant tribute to the past, while confidently forging ahead with his own unmistakable style. – Jason Felton