The stateside version of
Gemma Hayes' critically hailed debut
Night On My Side finds a young artist with impeccable taste. Like
Beth Orton, there's a purity behind
Hayes' lyrics and a believable beauty behind the music. Produced by
Dave Fridmann (
Mercury Rev,
Flaming Lips) and
Hayes' boyfriend, ex-
Frames guitarist
David Odlum,
Night On My Side finds the Irish songbird working with elements of her favorite band,
My Bloody Valentine, while crafting a real, passionate rock sound of her own. She plays guitar, but she refuses to be categorized as the next
Jewel, and
Night On My Side's soft-hued confidence is certain of that. From the blistering haze of "Lucky Haze" to the kaleidoscopic guitar textures of "I Let A Good Thing Go," the shift in songs initially found on the UK album gives new life to
Night On My Side. "4:35 a.m." and "Work To A Calm," which were only previously available on European import EPs, are equally loaded with lush space rock fibers while "Evening Sun" (also unavailable on the import version) closes in on
Hayes' day and night theme.
Night On My Side offers a peace of mind, a soothing feeling that's prominent in
Orton's work as well as in
Lisa Germano's and
Hope Sandoval's material; however, a lingering darkness isn't there. There's an innocence that's like slow dancing at twilight that sets
Night On My Side apart from all the rest. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide