7/10

Some albums feel designed for a particular time of day, and 'Lights Get Low', the latest collection from The Regulars, belongs firmly to those hours after sunset when conversations stretch longer than expected, streetlights blur through rain-streaked windows, and familiar places begin to take on a different character. It's a record that thrives on atmosphere without sacrificing immediacy, balancing sharp songwriting with the kind of restless energy that keeps us returning for just one more spin.

Across its runtime, The Regulars demonstrate an impressive understanding of what makes guitar-driven music endure. The melodies arrive effortlessly, the choruses land with confidence, and every track feels built around the simple but increasingly rare ambition of creating songs people genuinely want to sing along with. Yet beneath the accessibility lies a band with a keen eye for detail and a knack for capturing emotional complexity without overcomplicating the message.

What stands out most is the album’s sense of movement. There is an underlying momentum that carries us from one song to the next, whether through bright, wide-open moments or more reflective passages. The brighter tracks, such as 'Impossible' and 'Empty Dose', burst forward with infectious enthusiasm, powered by crisp rhythms and energetic guitar work that feel tailor-made for crowded venues and raised voices. Elsewhere, the record slows its pulse on songs like 'Gotta Wait', allowing space for introspection and moodier textures to emerge.

Jeff Clarke’s songwriting forms the backbone of the album, weaving together memorable hooks and relatable observations with a natural ease. Julia Fernandez-Turk’s vocal contributions add contrast and depth, while Adam Smith’s lead guitar lines inject colour and personality throughout. The rhythm section provides a sturdy foundation, ensuring even the most melodic moments retain a sense of urgency.

Perhaps most impressive is how naturally 'Lights Get Low' translates the feeling of a band discovering its identity in real time. There is a sense that the musicians are enjoying the process as much as we enjoy the result, and that enthusiasm is contagious.

In an era increasingly dominated by fleeting trends and algorithm-friendly singles, 'Lights Get Low' feels refreshingly committed to the craft of album-making. It's packed with memorable moments, rich in character, and full of the kind of songs that reveal something new with every listen. The Regulars have created a record that feels equally at home through headphones on a solitary walk or blasting from a stage in a packed room, and that versatility is no small achievement.