The Lightning Kids are no strangers to the art of nostalgia. Since their 2022 breakout 'All of Those Nights', the London-based trio have carved a unique place in the alt-pop landscape; one where late-night radio, sun-drenched hedonism, and teenage longing blur into a cinematic soundtrack for modern hearts. Now, with their long-awaited sophomore album 'Love On The Edge of Desire', they double down on the mood and melody that made them cult favourites, while deepening their emotional palette.
Blending dream-pop shimmer, retro synth textures, and flickers of Americana-tinged alt-rock, 'Love On The Edge of Desire' is both expansive and intimate. From the pounding euphoria of 'Youth' and 'Lost' to the dusk-lit introspection of 'Lights Out' and 'I’m On Fire', the album sways between catharsis and contemplation. It ends on a perfect note with 'Chicago', 'Radio', and the slow-burning, 80s-soft-rock closer '(I Don’t Wanna) Go', a trio of anthems that could soundtrack the credits of your favourite coming-of-age film.
So with the new album available now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
(Jonny) The synthesiser – I grew up with older brothers who introduced me to 80’s pop music – from Pet Shop Boys to Peter Gabriel, we loved ambient synths – they transformed how I listened to music.
(Emma) I learnt classical music as a child, but I picked up my Dad’s acoustic guitar that was lying around the house and was obsessed with teaching myself to play it. I’ve never had formal lessons but over the years I’ve learnt to play it in my own way.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
As a band, many artists inspired us: from Michael Jackson to Fleetwood Mac, Alanis Morissette and Kate Bush. We love how much emotion and power they could wring from their voices in their own unique way, and they still inspire us.
What was the first album you remember owning?
(J) Bad – Michael Jackson, which my father signed as ‘Michael Jackson’
(E) No joke, I remember asking Father Christmas for Alanis Morisette’s Jagged Little Pill because our babysitter was a fan. I don’t think ‘he’ had any idea how necessary the parental advisory sticker was - though at the time, all the adult references went over my head!
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
We talk about this a lot – a mix of Into The Groove (Madonna) and Teardrop By Massive Attack are high on the list!
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
We try to get into a story or atmosphere that can take you on a musical journey. For The Lightning Kids, we base ourselves in California and go deep into 1980’s romanticism – we often improvise over a set of chords and then leave the ideas for a while – do something quite mundane to let our brains mull it over while distracted - Often ideas will come to us that I would never come up with staring at a fretboard or a blank sheet of paper.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Bon Iver – love his new album, along with Phoebe Bridges, Haim and Chappelle Roan – her latest single, The Subway is sublime.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Probably someone like Chvrches, or Chappelle.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I love hearing from listeners who’ve connected with our music - maybe a lyric they loved, how they first heard a song or that they listen to our music on full volume when driving. Knowing how much people are enjoying our tracks is what drives us.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Don’t love Social Media – is part of the gig…but would love people to find it without having to post.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Write better songs. Remember the song belongs as much to the listener as it does to you - Leave room for them.
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The Lightning Kid's new album 'Love On The Edge Of Desire' is out now. Check it out in the player below.