A trio of Scottish music innovators – Philly, Vic Galloway & Saleem Andrew McGroarty - have emerged from the nocturnal shadows as CHECK MASSES with their own brand of psychedelic soul. Debut album NIGHTLIFE smudges the lines between cinematic hip-hop collage, expansive dub, wiry electronics & low-slung guitar twang across 10 superb tracks. First single “DRIPN ANGEL” is threaded with dusk-to-dawn tension, feeding the dark heart & desperation of the blues through a modern lens. From Philly’s cracked soul melodies & spectral chanting to Andy’s oil drum beats & tinkering electronics, with Galloway’s echoey guitar twangs channelling Morricone & Lynchian paranoia. Second single LONESOME LITTLE PARADISE is a left-field ‘roots & culture’ freedom chant exploring the duality of the protest song & the love ballad. The intensely personal lyrics reflect harrowing themes of slavery & abandonment within Philly's own family, who were imprisoned & taken from Africa to the Seychelles. Third single is slinky soul-classic in the making LOST IN THE CITY, where the story-telling conjures up hedonistic encounters in 70’s NYC, as our protagonist immerses himself in a wild, hot and hazy night. NIGHTLIFE is a collection of stories tossing and turning in a nocturnal fever dream, offset by moments of sublime escapism. Whether that’s faded club stamps, neon-lit explorations, insomniac reruns of past lives or simply gazing at the moon; CHECK MASSES have created an album that’ll help you see in the dark.