JD McPherson – Nite Owls (New West) 13th Floor Album Review

JD McPherson releases Nite Owls, his fifth studio album, one that represents a significant evolution in his sound. While it remains rooted in the retro rockabilly and surf rock that defined his earlier work, McPherson boldly incorporates broader influences such as glam rock, new wave, and post-punk. This fusion enriches the album’s modern textures without losing the energetic spirit that has become his signature.

Following a six-year break since his whimsical Christmas album Socks (2018), Nite Owls reflects the personal and professional changes McPherson has experienced. Drawing inspiration from artists like The Beach Boys, Duane Eddy, T. Rex and Joy Division, the album forms a dynamic collage of nostalgic and more modern sounds. Recorded live in the studio, it retains the raw energy of McPherson’s earlier albums while expanding his sonic palate.

The album kicks off with Sunshine Getaway, a glam-rock inspired track that hides darker undertones beneath its upbeat façade. In contrast, I Can’t Go Anywhere with You offers humorous, character-driven storytelling, delivered over a playful rockabilly rhythm. The tone shifts again with Just Like Summer, where reflective lyrics about the bittersweet pangs of lost love are supported by Duane Eddy-inspired surf-rock guitar licks.

The title track, Nite Owls, immerses listeners in the mystique of nightlife, inviting them to embrace its allure, while Shining Like Gold captures the giddy chemistry of a special connection, “I’d rather be with you than be by myself. I’d rather be with you than somebody else.”

The Rock and Roll Girls and Baby Blues respectively offer a glimpse at the generational desire to pass on the love of music, and explore themes of vulnerability and the desire for connection. Baby Blues, verses that start, “praying…hoping…dreaming…” lays bare emotional longing

The instrumental track The Phantom Lover of New Rochelle, is a fast-paced and evocative piece that showcases McPherson’s skill at crafting dramatic rock and roll soundscapes. The mood shifts with Don’t Travel Through the Night Alone, a hauntingly atmospheric track driven by reverberating bass, where McPherson warns, “The way is strange. The stars are wrong,” a poignant reminder of the perils of solitude and offers a warning of making the wrong choices.

The closing track, That’s What a Love Song Does to You, ties together the album’s themes, reflecting on the emotional power of music, especially in times of turmoil. This final song encapsulates the shades of love and human connection explored throughout the record.

Nite Owls balances introspection and exuberance, blending joyful rock and roll energy with complementary influences from later decades. The result is an album that feels rooted in the 50s but not trapped there. Musically it blends decades of rock history while avoiding the trap of pastiche. JD McPherson has crafted a thoughtful, dynamic album that retains his unique voice. It was well worth the six-year wait, but I hope that the next album arrives sooner.

John Bradbury

Listen Live before the album release: Join JD McPherson for a free listening party to celebrate the release of Nite Owls. Hear the full album before it hits streaming services, chat with JD, and purchase the record directly from his page. RSVP here.