The new Nightowl Sings album is made up of tracks from very different sessions, although the finished record is cohesive in tone, feel and attitude.

The first track is the oldest here. In January, sessions started for a new Old Weird project. Only one track was completed and 'High Rise' starts the album as it goes on; different, lonely and melancholic experimentalism. It also marks the second time a Nightowl Sings album begins with a track featuring David Thompson.

'In Remains of Love' and 'Suicide #2 (Electric Boogaloo)' were originally intended for an E.P. of downer electronica. When that idea was shelved, 'In Remains of Love' was given a Krautrock work over by myself and Al, before the three of us hammered it into shape in post production. 'Suicide #2' began life as methed out spoken word Suicide homage. Marc and Al changed that when it was given new wave leanings and a surreal brown acid chorus. Both songs share the same sadness but willing to experiment vibe as the opener.

'After the Flowers' was recorded by it's author alone. Every NOS album has a three a.m. downer, and this is probably why it's the title track and the inspiration for the artwork, which was conceived and produced by Al and myself.

'Halfway to Your Arms' and 'Inside/Outside' shun the electronics and effects of the other tracks and stick to warm, creaky analogue tones. Americana never really went away, comfort in being sad. These songs would of appeared on a very different NOS concept/release, alongside such unrecorded gems as 'No Bravado'.

That leaves 'Mutually Assured Disaffection' and 'How Do You Get High', the two noisiest tracks here. The first is straight from the canyon, jangle solo, harmonica solo, lead guitar at the front of the mix. One of the joys of being a part time member of Marc's band is the ease of reference. Nailing together Sonic Youth, This Heat and The Fall isn't readily available to everyone, but that's exactly what 'How Do You Get High' is. Saturday afternoons, talking about records and then making one yourself. This track was also considered for a Hills! Werewolves! Run! project, a track for a mini album that remains unreleased.

'After the Flowers' is the 50th release on Treehouse Orchestra Recordings. Lots of things have changed. Some artists like The Otters, The Infernos and The Road Movies have came and went. We Are the Wooden Houses (the moniker of Al and me) has evolved and developed, and now I'm making exactly the kind of music I've always wanted to. The Dead West has became an isolated communal conversation of culture, announcing a new set of ideas every now and again. Cat of Tomorrow and Stone Tape Theory both remain an enigma, but I'm sure new documents will turn up, perhaps on some heath or underground station. The Nightowl Sings drives a straight road forward, acknowledging developments and disappointments on one side, absorbing ideas, art and joy on the other.

Mutually assured affection. - Stephen Benson.