Reviewed by Tim Holden

The Lightning Strikes are a four piece from the West Midlands and Spring Nights is their debut release, a four track EP of original indie rock songs. Citing a diverse mix of influences, from Joy Division through Oasis to The Killers, the sound is probably most defined by the complex guitar lines floating over some nice synth and keyboards. The opening "Thief In The Night" has strong overtones of Joy Division, as does "Fantasy World". "When I Let You Down" has an almost honky tonk piano line bashing along under the ever present guitar line. Over all of this the lyrics are delivered in a style very reminiscent of Ian Curtis - with the distinct difference that the content is considerably more uplifting. Without a huge budget the production does suffer a little and the arrangements have a tendency to be a little too busy which does mean that this debut does not really do the band justice.

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