Review: Indie veterans Night Terrors of 1927 impress SLC crowd
Night Terrors of 1927 performed at Salt Lake City’s In The Venue Friday in support of their debut album “Everything’s Coming Up Roses.”
Night Terrors of 1927 is a synth-pop collaborative between 2000’s indie songwriters Jarrod Gorbel, of The Honorary Title, and Blake Sennett, of Rilo Kiley. SLC was their second tour stop as an opening act for Bleachers, side project of fun.’s Jack Antanoff.
Night Terrors gave a memorable performance Friday night. They kicked off the show with their most Springsteen-esque track, “Always Be One,” which was emotive to wake up a teenage crowd used to sleeping through opening acts. As their set progressed, the energy only increased from both the band and the crowd. By the time they played their epic closer, “Always Take You Back,” the band had themselves a new fanbase. Night Terrors proved themselves to be more than just some opening act, but true veterans of the rock and pop game.
Throughout the concert, lead singer Jarrod Gorbel incessantly invited the crowd to meet the band after the show. Combining him and guitarist Blake Sennett, their age adds up to 64. Yet they melt all over the stage in matching leather jackets and make small talk with high schoolers and college kids after the show. I try to be hip. These guys already are.
“We had a good time,” said Gorbell, additionally expressing his appreciation for the SLC crowd. “I love them; they’re awesome.”
“When we make a connection live and see the lyrics resonating with others, they are truly with us,” Gorbell said. “These songs are a glimpse into our unconscious, our fears and struggles. Performing them is a much-needed release.”
I try to be hip. I like to consider myself a connoisseur of modern music. At the end of the day, I’m not. I’m just an overly judgmental guy who enjoys digging for music facts. I don’t know what stuff cool kids listen to these days aside from Echosmith’s ironically titled “Cool Kids.” No, I didn’t know who Night Terrors were until a week before this show. Considering they don’t have a Wikipedia page, I suppose lots of folks haven’t heard of these guys yet. I ask you, the USU student population: Why not?
Night Terrors’ rising single “When You Were Mine” (featuring Tegan & Sara) has about 750 thousand Spotify plays. Echosmith’s “Cool Kids” has over 133 million. Listening to these songs next to each other, one could only guess which song is deserving of mass radio airplay. Do you like Echosmith? Bleachers? You’re going to like Night Terrors of 1927.
Of course Night Terrors wouldn’t mind some success and promotion, but their live act is promotion enough to get people intrigued. Between the low-profile history of these two experienced songwriters, success will never be as important as the music.
“The difference between worldwide success and total obscurity is an incredibly fine line,” Sennett said. “Don’t let awards or financial gain define you. It doesn’t matter.”
Gorbell agreed.
“Don’t waste time looking at what other people have,” he said. “Just look inward and improve. Play out as much as possible; collaborate with strangers and friends.”
I’ve given Night Terrors’ sole LP “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” a listen. In fine, I didn’t like it. If you’ve read my work, you know I’m a picky little snot of a critic. These facts set aside, I honestly think plenty of people reading this article would enjoy this album and should give it a whirl. It’s some catchy alternative synth-pop worthy of radio airplay. I underestimated how great these songs would sound live. They gave a top tier performance Friday night, their backing musicians included. I have no doubt they give their all for every show. Bands could learn a thing or two from Night Terrors of 1927.
— Scott is a Stage Management major at USU. He loves music and writes songs on weekends. He wants a hiking buddy more than he wants a girlfriend, but feel free to apply for either via email: scottehall3@gmail.com.