Debuting their self-produced fourth album Double Life, Night Moves proved once again why they remain a must-see band. I made sure not to miss them on this tour, driving over 900 miles to catch their stop at The Atlantis in Washington, D.C. last Sunday. Contrary to the track “Almost Perfect” the night was nothing short of flawless.
Night Moves has long defied simple categorization. Frontman, vocalist, and songwriter John Pelant describes their sound as “Cosmic Twang Rock Disco Fog Sludge,” a phrase that feels weirdly accurate. Active since 2010, the band has honed a psychedelic aesthetic rich in guitar slides, harmonica accents, glowing synths, and infectious hooks.
Alongside Pelant, Micky Alfano locks in the groove with the bass; Mark Hanson drives the rhythm with dynamic drums and percussion; and Chuck Murlowski layers in guitar rhythms that expand the band’s already cinematic sound. Their influences are plentiful, but what’s most striking is how their music manages to feel both nostalgic and entirely fresh. Double Life is their most transformative release yet; alive with energy and lyrical themes that grapple with longing, grief, and growing pains, all carried by contrasting melodies that make you want to move.
Opening the evening was Raybody, the stage project of Brooklyn singer-songwriter Katy Rea. With hushed, haunting vocals and jazz-infused arrangements, she set an evocative tone. Her songs were soft yet eerie, beautiful and unsettling, captivating in their contradictions. It was her first performance in D.C., but she wasted no time drawing the audience into her world.
By 9 p.m., Night Moves took the stage to a packed house. Fans filled both floors of The Atlantis, a venue named in homage to the legendary space that predated the 9:30 Club just blocks away. With its intimate layout and rooftop bar (complete with retro TVs streaming the concert), the setting heightened the sense of closeness between band and audience.
The setlist leaned heavily on Double Life, opening with “Trying to Steal a Smile” and later weaving in fan favorites from earlier records. A highlight came near the end with “Fallacy Actually” from The Redaction, seamlessly transitioning into Pelant’s personal favorite track from the new album, “Desperation.” After an encore chant from the crowd, the night closed with “Ribboned Skies” from Can You Really Find Me, a fitting send-off that married their expansive sound with the intimacy of the room.
The band balanced high-energy anthems with lush, spacey grooves that kept the audience in motion. Swirling washes of blue and purple light gave every moment a dreamlike quality, intensifying the band’s immersive soundscapes.
Fans lined up afterward for the newly re-pressed and highly sought-after Redaction EP, eager to take home a piece of the night. I was lucky enough to share a few words with the band and grab a few portraits of them, still buzzing from the performance.
As I drove back, “This Time Tomorrow” echoed in my head; a song I suspect will stay with me not just till tomorrow but for years to come. If Night Moves comes anywhere near you, don’t hesitate. Whether it’s a short ride or a cross-country drive, it’s worth every mile.
