Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *

The Nighthawks await, silent, unmoving, an Edward Hopper painting capturing the solitude of modern life in the twilight and given a 21st Century aural theme, that is the sheer depth of illumination to be found as the listener is introduced to the Man In The Diner by Elijah James And The Nightmares; the difference being as Hopper’s painting has gained importance for its stagnation in the past, whilst still being hugely relevant, what the band implores is life, existence beyond the one dimensional, and in full glorious colour the man alone in the diner becomes all too real – he becomes the embodiment of us.

The listener has come a long way in the few but dynamic years since Elijah James, each new song, the albums that house them, the live shows, each of these moments is a stepping stone, one after another the grace in which the subject lands adds definition, bolder steps of shape, enduring imagery, the understanding of release of pleasure and the focus of pain as a subject…this is what Elijah James And The Nightmares brings to, not only the local Liverpool scene, but the wider community of music lovers, the strength of purpose in the voice, almost masterly in its delivery, the music that is outstanding, beautiful, against a backdrop of noir; there are few who have such a connection with their art.

All this pleasure, the narrative, the expression, the sense of deep philosophy that comes in the arms of absolute confidence, Man In The Diner is a song that the listener might suspect is written by one of the greats, and they would be absolutely spot on, for what may be considered in the blink of an eye,  Elijah James And The Nightmares have stepped into the spotlight, taken a place in the frame of the café window, and become a great you don’t want to miss.

A son of deep respect, a flow of information between artist and listener, one that gives permission for the goosebumps to rise on the skin and be visible to the stranger next to you. Order what you will from the menu, just make sure that Man In The Diner is given his due.

Ian D. Hall