JD McPherson isn’t afraid of change. On his fifth album Nite Owls, his first since the beloved 2018 Christmas record SOCKS, McPherson returns to his blues-rock roots while venturing out into new sonic territory. He calls it “surf noir,” though the influences reach far beyond just surf or rockabilly. Duane Eddy-style guitars reverberate through the album’s 10 tracks, while elements like new wave-inspired synthesizers keep the sound fresh. The guitars take center stage without overpowering McPherson’s multifaceted songwriting. The sunny, sparkling tones of Nite Owls give the listener exactly what McPherson searches for in “Sunshine Getaway”—a reprieve from the cold, both literally and figuratively.

Watch JD McPherson perform “Just Like Summer” and “Sunshine Getaway” live at WNXP’s Sonic Cathedral.