The new track is just the third single from the terrific trio, following the release of ‘Way Past Three’ and ‘Mirrors’ earlier this year.
But already we’re beginning to get a real sense of the depth of their moody, atmospheric sound – and why The Guardian’s prophetic Alexis Petridis described them as “a XX-esque”.
‘Exposed to Some Light’ arrives with just a handful of Nightbus shows set to play out for the rest of the year, including at London’s George Tavern on 2 November, a sold-out show at Manchester’s Henryyk on 3 November, and two support slots for The Orielles in Bristol and Leeds.
Describing the origins and meaning of their new single, which you can have a listen to via the minimal video above, the band have shared: “‘Exposed To Some Light’ for some time felt like a jigsaw, glueing the pieces together was a timely process. Originally taking the form of a poem written over the course of a cold and mundane January weekend, it became a sign post for us as a band and a favourite of many in our live shows.
“To ‘expose something to light’ for us means to bring something to the forefront of your mind and current head space. It can be negative, positive or perhaps neutral. By being aware of this certain something or feeling it can bring about many things; the death of an ego or perhaps the birth of a new chapter.
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“It’s a track that is drenched in unremembered nostalgia, with an underlying sense of dread and a dark synergy. We wanted to retain a sense of narrative almost like we were soundtracking a true and relatable main character moment.”
Originally hailing from various parts of the north of England, the trio – consisting of Olive Rees, Zac Melrose and Jake Cottier – all bonded over their shared musical tastes (including stuff they didn’t like), and a desire to succeed as a band.
Photo: Kitty Handley
When we spoke to them earlier this year, bassist Zac told us: “We have a lot of self-belief and, to a certain degree, we’re wearing a bit of an ego on the sleeve, because things are going so well, but I think that’s natural.
“Whatever comes our way, we’ll just do it – for the love of the music and trying to escape this grim reality of being a young person. I don’t want to work three jobs anymore, and if this is the ticket out, then it’s the ticket.”
Check out the full list of Nightbus’ forthcoming live dates below, and visit the venue’s site for more details and to buy tickets.
See Nightbus live in 2023:
18 Oct | Supersonic, Paris
19-21 Oct | Left of the Dial, Rotterdam
2 Nov | The George Tavern, London
3 Nov | Henryyk, Manchester SOLD-OUT
19 Nov | Strange Brew, Bristol*
25 Nov | Brudenell Social Club, Leeds*
*supporting The Orielles
