Nightbus

Olive Rees and Jake Cottier have conjured up the perfect recipe for a futuristic soundtrack to epic urban romances, practically out of thin air, onto the stage of Manchester’s vibrant music scene. As Nightbus, the trio celebrate shimmering synth-pop with prominent post-punk riffs and darkwave cascades that dissolve before the mind’s eye like a dream beneath the streetlights. Light and dark in a sensual interplay, a night-time bus ride, a flashback in the rear-view mirror – who broke up with whom here? Like intrusions beyond one’s own control, the sound of the debut album “Passenger” (2025) conjures up thoughts and feelings, memories and fears – less to unsettle, and more to negotiate. This music has therapeutic value and is at the same time so damn atmospheric and innovative. Here, the guitars of Bauhaus or The Cure shimmer over the urban ambient textures of Burial – everything glows with a dull sheen. There, 90s trip-hop mingles with raw indie sleaze, whilst ultraviolet synths open up a liminal space between yesterday and today. It’s a sound you have to let yourself get into – but one that then becomes an inner film about your own life. Yet Nightbus have long since moved beyond simply developing their singular sound. The duo creates an audiovisual experience that promises total immersion, from club events to music videos and festival shows.