NYC-based indie pop duo Eighty Ninety, the music project of brothers Abner (vocals, production) and Harper (guitar, production) James, return with their captivating sophomore EP, The Night Sky, a mix of previously released singles and a few brand new tracks.
Title track, "The Night Sky," is the featured single from this spectacular and inviting new EP. Driven by a pulsing bassline, prominent percussion, and a spacious blend of atmospheric keyboards and acoustic guitar arpeggios, this upbeat opening track is your new summer night soundtrack. Abner's breezy, emotive vocals gracefully paint the story of a couple, on the roof of a car, gazing into the night sky.
"The night sky became our metaphor for the dichotomy betwen destiny and choice," Eighty Nighty explains. "Some people look up at the night sky and see their future written in the stars - others see the infinite possibilities of the universe."
"Spent the night on the roof of your car
You taught me all the constellations
You said no matter where you are
You'll see a shooting star
You just need the patience"
The Night Sky has been a labor of love for Abner and Harper over the past year and a half. Speaking to the overarching theme of the EP, they remark, "When we were writing and producing these songs we found ourselves returning to a central theme: that powerful feeling that some things in our lives are meant to be, and how that feeling impacts the choices we make that shape our lives... It’s about love, choices, friendship, heartbreak, hope, dreams, memories and visions - pretty much everything that’s been on our minds this past year and a half."
Additional new tracks on The Night Sky include "Walking You Home" and "Thinking Of You." The frenetic "Walking You Home" is the quickest-paced track on the EP, with dreamy, echoing vocals and a keyboard riff that reminds me of Annie Lennox's "No More I Love You's" every time it pops into the mix. On Spotify, the track is credited to Eighty Ninety and Middle Youth, Harper's late-night, side musical project. While we're here, I'd highly recommend checking out Not Just Me, Middle Youth's incredible debut album release.
The reminiscent, low-key "Thinking Of You" closes out The Night Sky. Gentle piano notes gradually transition to an anthemic, orchestral arrangement with reverbed electric guitar riffs that magnificently end The Night Sky experience.
Among the eight residents of The Night Sky, Eighty Ninety followers will immediately recognize recent single releases, including "Better As Friends," "Heart On The Line," "Forever," "Happier" and "Know Me." It's so great to hear these tracks nicely sequenced across the EP, resulting in a flow that comes together so naturally as you listen from start to finish.
It was just a few years back in 2016 that Eighty Ninety made their mark on the indie pop world with their breakthrough debut single, "Three Thirty," a track which has remarkably clocked nearly 18 millions streams on Spotify alone and is featured on their debut EP Elizabeth. The duo's signature sound is comprised of intimate storytelling, catchy pop hooks, and less-is-more production, built on acoustic instruments and electronic sounds in a style they call "808s and telecasters."
To date, Eighty Ninety has racked up over 30 million streams and have received glowing reviews from tastemakers like Billboard, Alternative Press and Ones To Watch. Along the way, the duo have even earned a co-sign from Taylor Swift who added their single "Your Favorite Song" to her official Spotify playlist Songs Taylor Loves.
Be sure to give The Night Sky a listen and check out Eighty Ninety's impressive collection of past single and EP releases on your favorite streaming music services (Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, SoundCloud), and follow the band on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube).