They Travel At Night are Lou and Chuck, two Detroit, USA-based artists with an eclectic range of influences and a shared desire to keep their sound undefinable. They’ve just come to my attention thanks to the release of their new EP. It’s called Entropy.
By Graeme Smith
Lou and Chuck have been collaborating since the early ’00s, drawn together by a shared love for the intricacies of music and overlapping tastes. Though two musicians in their own right, they’ve come together to create a cohesive whole with their new EP.
Its five track journey starts with Go On and it’s a lush opening. Trippy electronic layers are poured over pop and rock sentiments before ambient yet emotional vocals come in. It truly is an immersive wonder, and each bar keeps you guessing what will come next. I was certainly enticed to hear more.
Fare Thee Well takes things in a gently direction while its lively drums retains a certain edge. A swell of anger half way through hits hard and beautifully contrasts the softness of the rest of the track. Moment is a pensive and atmospheric piece at the heart of the EP. Elements of emo and indie rock swirl among the established dream pop vibes. It’s a highlight.
Into It brings with it a cosmic soundscape with twinkling synths punctuating a dark and moody instrumental backdrop. Its use of rise and fall keeps the emotional stakes high. The EP closes with Color. Lou and Chuck save their rockiest moment for last with a track that introduces elements of shoegaze to the electronic mix. It’s a final highlight.
It’s hard to give justice to the They Travel at Night sound with mere words. All I can say is that you will not be wasting your time listening to Entropy. The guys have brought together a range of styles expertly, and created a soundscape that will have you feeling just about every emotion that’s possible. You can check out the EP below.