LYLO have always been a band with a wide spectrum of influences, and have returned with near perfect communion of buttery soul, funk, and delicate synth pop.

The notorious ‘hiatus’ can be a nerve-wracking journey for any band, marking a pivotal, unpredictable crossroads where they may vanish into the ether or emerge revitalized and stronger than ever. Thankfully, for the Glasgow trio LYLO, the latter proves to be the case. Six years since their critically acclaimed ‘Post Era’, the time away appears to have served as a transformative period, shedding their Post Era (and post-punk) skin, and emerging with renewed pop vigour. ‘Thoughts of Never’ stands as a testament to their resilience and evolution, as LYLO reasserts their presence in smooth textures and lush cinematic instrumentation.

‘Thoughts of Never’ is night music, the narratives all seem to take place at dusk, and opener ‘Would You Believe’ places us in that world from the off as the song grows with lush synthesisers moved ever-forward by Jack Seaton’s funky bass and Justin Allan’s reverb-soaked drums, as lead singer Mitch Flynn is ‘living for the night’. First single ‘Hush’ includes vocals from The Orielles Esmé-Dee, and the downbeat, daytime Ibiza vibes are immaculate. During the recording process, the band would listen back to works in progress after each day and watch films on mute to play the songs over – testing it on flicks such as Brian De Palma’s Body Double – and treating it like a soundtrack. A cinematic presence is built into the record, and it shows. Some of the basslines on this album are stank-face inducingly TASTY and transport you to some sort of Annie Lennox / Brian Ferry club night that has probably never existed. This is certainly the case for ‘Better Chance’ and ‘A Way The Feeling Goes’, the latter of which has an astonishing outro crescendo reminiscent of the best Current’s era Tame Impala. The driving rhythms of ‘We Move Again’ reminiscent of the best of The The or Amen Dunes’ Freedom.

Lyrically, ‘Thought’s Of Never’ offers a depth and sincerity that speak to the soothing or danceable instrumentals. The musical elements serve as a supportive backdrop to Marion’s gentle vocal, offering a sense of comfort and allowing for a sincere expression of vulnerability. ‘The Manager’ was made in collaboration with London-based poet alore, who’s spoken word fits perfectly with album themes of harnessing connection, exploring distance and friendship. The incredibly vulnerable and tender lyric on ‘Love In a Way’ highlights Flynn’s wonderful vocal, as he laments an insecurity borne of an unstable relationship, ‘you said from the start, I’m yours – how can I be sure?’. ‘If The Light Is On’ is possibly one of the most touching songs you will hear all year, an ode to friendship, companionship and intimacy in the face of loneliness. The lyric promises an open door to a friend passing by, ‘walk by my way, it’s on my way’ – a beautiful sentiment, enhanced to the point of catharsis by the subtle textures of guitar, backing vocal and softly pulsing chords that back it up.

LYLO have always been a band with a wide spectrum of influences, and alongside producer Joel Patchett – Justin Allan, Jack Seaton and Mitch Flynn have returned with near perfect communion of buttery soul, funk, and delicate synth pop. A cinematic album that at once feels honest and organic and deserves all ears.