The Night Flight Orchestra Reaches New Heights with Give Us the Moon

Introduction

‘Give Us the Moon’ marks the seventh full-length flight from The Night Flight Orchestra and their first release under Napalm Records. The Swedish octet, featuring members of Soilwork and Arch Enemy, continues to channel the golden era of 70s and 80s melodic rock. The band delivers a sound that’s smooth, polished, and steeped in nostalgia. However, this album carries a slightly different feel compared to their earlier works. It’s more polished and refined, though this comes at the cost of some of the unrestrained authenticity that made albums like Internal Affairs’ and ‘Amber Galactic’ feel so vibrant.

Our journey to the moon begins with Final Call, which is, literally, that: a female voice on an intercom, calling for the band members to get to their flight. Is there any other way for the album to start?

Takeoff

Now that we’ve fastened our seatbelts, we are ready for takeoff, and the first song Stratus immediately lifts us up with its upbeat energy and infectious chorus, setting the tone for the flight ahead. Onwards we go with the next track Shooting Velvet, which starts with a very catchy rhythm and an insanely singalong-able refrain. It’s a great song doing everything that NFO does well! Extra kudos for singers Anna Brygard and Åsa Lundman for adding that extra layer that defines NFO’s sound.

The next track, Like the Beating of a Heart, begins with a darker vibe before it bursts into some danceable grooves with a soulful touch. There’s something about the track that channels echoes of Journey, and even shades of Ghost in the lyrics. It’s got the kind of energy that keeps you hooked.

Moving through the middle section of the album, things stay steady, but occasionally lean a bit on familiar formulas. Tracks like Melbourne, May I? are undeniably fun, with its anthemic energy and a nod to Van Halen, but it’s not quite sparking the same magic as some of the previous cuts. Next up, Miraculous pulls us back a bit, slowing things down to give the listener a chance to catch their breath. It’s a welcome moment of respite before the album continues. Paloma lands as a rock ballad, enjoyable but a bit on the bland side. While it’s not a showstopper, it still serves its purpose in the grand narrative of the album.

Mid-flight

By this point, we’re seven tracks in, and we’re just over halfway through – this is one long-distance flight. But not a boring on, because the real magic begins in the second half. This is where Give Us the Moon truly comes alive. The further we venture, the more the songs grow in complexity and charm. Cosmic Tide is a standout, with its rich layers and powerful rhythm section that gives off a Deep Purple vibe, especially with the drumming. It’s a track that demands your attention. And then there’s the title track, Give Us the Moon, which shines with unmistakable disco influences. Its danceable, feel-good vibe is a polished nod to the late ’70s, blending nostalgic grooves with a modern finish. It’s an escape wrapped in optimism, and a definite highlight for fans who dig NFO’s disco-inspired side. A Paris Point of View keeps the disco ball rolling, with its keyboard intro giving off some Sentenced vibes. Way to Spend the Night is an absolute favourite of mine. It stands out for its infectious energy and catchy chorus and reminds me of the track Burn for Me from Aeromantic II.

A safe landing

With the grand finale, Stewardess, Empress, Hot Mess (and the Captain of Pain), we reach the end of our flight and prepare for landing. This closing track pulls together every element of NFO’s signature style: theatrical, bombastic, and irresistibly fun. In conclusion, Give Us the Moon not only solidifies The Night Flight Orchestra‘s place in the world of melodic rock but also highlights the band’s resilience in the face of loss. Despite the emotional void left by the passing of founding guitarist David Andersson in 2022, the album shines with the same optimism and energy that fans have come to love. It’s a rewarding addition to their discography, offering something for both long-time listeners and newcomers alike. As the band continues to soar, Give Us the Moon will no doubt find a special place in the hearts of NFO’s dedicated fanbase.

On behalf of the fans: thank you for flying with us!

Score: 9 / 10
Release date: 31.01.2025
Label: Napalm Records

Tracklisting:

1. Final Call (Intro)
2. Stratus
3. Shooting Velvet
4. Like The Beating Of A Heart
5. Melbourne, May I?
6. Miraculous
7. Paloma
8. Cosmic Tide
9. Give Us The Moon
10. A Paris Point Of View
11. Runaways
12. Way To Spend The Night
13. Stewardess, Empress, Hot Mess (And The Captain Of Pain)

Tabitha

For 15 years now, I have been doing my duties as a metal music journalist - visiting festivals, listening to the latest metal albums...it's been tough, but I've done it all, just so I can report about it to our readers! My focus is on any metal that is black or death, but since I'm very open minded, every now and then I'll allow some thrash or doom. Happy readings!

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