Nightbox

Nightbox is a Canadian indie pop and synth pop group from Wicklow and Toronto. The five-piece forms after the members meet at secondary school in Ireland and move to Canada in 2010. Their early releases appear in 2011, when they emerge from Toronto’s Kensington Market with a debut EP.

Sound and influences

The group’s music combines elements drawn from Madchester, the Tresor-era Berlin electronic scene, and pop songwriting associated with Hall & Oates and similar soft rock acts. Their songs are built with a layered approach that aims for strong rhythm, melodic hooks and detailed production.

Debut EP and reception

Nightbox’s self-titled debut receives strong attention. The EP is produced by Sebastien Grainger of Death From Above 1979 and Al-P of MSTRKRFT. Its single “Pyramid” gains rotation on Canadian music television and is included on Kitsune’s Maison Compilation 11. NME names the track a top-10 download, while Dazed & Confused praises its energetic dance-oriented style. The EP is later re-released in Japan on Rallye Label, where its initial pressing sells out.

Touring and collaborations

The band tours the UK, including appearances at Reading and Leeds Festivals, and also plays Ireland’s Electric Picnic Festival. They support Death From Above 1979 at a Toronto homecoming show and tour Canada with Lights. Nightbox also remixes Lights’ single “Toes”, which appears as a bonus track on iTunes pre-orders of her album Siberia.

Critical profile

Coverage around the group describes them as a band with international potential, and their early work is noted for its hook-driven writing, glitchy synthesisers and guitars.