Night Visions
Hailing from Las Vegas, Imagine Dragon’s sound mirrors its hometown’s blended contrast of the constructed (glimmering buildings) with the natural (majestic desert). Tracks such as beat heavy opener “Radioactive” and the masterfully layered “Demons” could be performed acoustically around the campfire or electrified in concert. “Tiptoe” has elements of classic ‘80s technopop, while “On Top of the World” is a joyous handclap-driven number with big harmony vocals on the chorus and happy drumming. Both the airplay-friendly sound and thoughtful lyrics of “Every Night” are timeless, with steady acoustic guitar strumming, booming yet restrained drumming, and an emotive electric guitar solo all in play on this gently rocking ballad.
However, on their debut album, Imagine Dragons buck tradition and swing straight for the cheap seats, doing away with generations of sonic evolution in favor of the huge, arena-made sound of Night Visions.
Imagine Dragons - Night Visions review: So polished that it slips right in one ear and out the other.