Alternative/Rock
Track-by-Track: Galway Duo Light Grey Bring Us Into Their ‘Nightmares’
Galway-based duo Light Grey takes us into the dark side of their Never Meant Records-released album ‘Nightmares’ with this track-by-track guide.

Galway-based duo Light Grey shifted their sound in a new direction with their latest album, Nightmares, which dropped through Never Meant Records last year.
Exploring themes of internal conflict, teenage infatuation, and severe insomnia, the duo wrap these dark subjects inside a sound inspired by the likes of Stand Atlantic and State Champs.
Recently, one half of Light Grey, frontman Ciaran, sat down to give us a Track-by-Track rundown of the album.
1. “Famous”
“‘Famous’ started out as this wild idea for an anime intro — think hyperpop meets future bass with a dash of pop punk. We went all out, layering over 200 tracks, including 30-50 vocal layers. It’s got this sparkly sound that totally fits the theme. The song dives into my complicated relationship with a parent who seems perfect on the outside but struggles just like the rest of us. It’s all about that frustration of watching someone keep up a façade while feeling broken inside. The bridge really captures that internal conflict.”
2. “Directors Cut”
“This was the first song we wrote for the album, and it was originally supposed to be part of a movie-themed EP. The sound is heavily inspired by Stand Atlantic, with tons of vocal effects and electronic vibes. We took this glitchy snippet from the original chorus to kick things off, which is kind of cool. The lyrics talk about the sadness you feel when someone you thought would be in your life forever just keeps searching for what they consider “perfect”—only to end up with someone totally different other than you. Pitching this to the band was nerve-wracking since it was mostly a solo effort.”
3. “Crazy”
“I almost didn’t put ‘Crazy’ on the album, but I’m so glad we did! It’s got that pop-punk vibe that screams nostalgia, with themes of teenage infatuation and obsession. The verses have a fun call-and-response thing going on, perfectly capturing that feeling of trying to forget someone who makes you feel a bit insane. It’s an anthem for those moments when your heart and brain just don’t sync up.”
4. “Loser”
“‘Loser’ was initially a single, but it was just too catchy to leave off the album. Mikey brought some shoegaze inspiration to the mix, turning it into a fun pop anthem about embracing your quirks. It really speaks to my younger self and reminds me of that goofy confidence I used to have. The “la la la” hooks are super catchy and take you back to those carefree days.”
5. “Something New”
“This track is a big deal for us because it was the first time we all collaborated as a band. Alan surprised us with the chorus, showing off his incredible writing ability which was a game-changer. The song keeps the pop-punk energy but adds our unique twist. It’s 100% a celebration of what happens when you work together and the surprises that come from it.”
6. “The Experiment”
“‘The Experiment’ is where the album starts to shift gears. It goes from upbeat vibes to tackling themes of sleep, insomnia, and nightmares. Mikey created around 100 electronic instrumentals for this, which gives it this ambient feel. We kicked things off with voices reading sleep quotes, which sets a dreamlike atmosphere. The lyrics come from a night of severe insomnia, where I just jotted down my chaotic thoughts as they flew by, creating a surreal story that captures that disorientation of sleepless nights.”
7. “Losing Sleep”
“This one’s all about my insomnia struggles, where my thoughts just refuse to chill out when I’m trying to sleep. The lyrics dig into the frustration of battling anxiety and trying to calm your racing mind. It’s a reminder that those worries are often just in our heads. The upbeat sound contrasts with the heavy themes, drawing inspiration from bands like State Champs, making it relatable for anyone who’s had sleepless nights.”
8. “Insomnia”
“‘Insomnia’ takes the whole nightmare vibe to another level, making my worries feel like these relentless monsters chasing me through dreams. The fast-paced electronic elements really capture that urgency and chaos of being stuck in a nightmare. Inspired by songs like ‘Colors’ by The Prodigy, this track explores the darker sides of sleepless nights, highlighting how our fears can take over when we’re trapped in our own heads.”
9. “Square One”
“This song is super personal for me. It came out during a tough time when music was my saving grace. The vocals were recorded in the heat of those raw emotions, really reflecting that sense of despair and the hope to start fresh. It’s all about the courage to rebuild when things feel low. I
want listeners to know that they’re not alone in their struggles and that it’s totally okay to be vulnerable.”
10. “Overly Tired”
“‘Overly Tired’ was the last track we wrote for the album, and it perfectly sums up the chaotic energy we wanted. When we heard the instrumental, we were all pumped. Even with the tight timeline, we created something really special. This track captures the feeling of exhaustion after a rough night of sleep, and ties into that theme of daily struggles. The lyrics reflect my own experiences, drawing parallels between my self-care routine and how I care for a plant at home. It’s an honest look at the toll of sleep deprivation, wrapped in upbeat melodies.”
11. “Nightmares”
“Originally, ‘Nightmares’ was supposed to kick off the album, but it ended up being the perfect way to wrap things up. With the line “Welcome to my nightmares,” it ties everything together and gives listeners a complete view of what the album is all about. It invites you into the deeper struggles we’ve explored in the earlier tracks, reinforcing that while each song tells its own story, they all connect to the shared experience of navigating life’s ups and downs.”
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