So It Goes is a record that is not the easiest thing to jump into. At various points, it seems to shift from trying to be a harder edged Social Distortion, to hard rock-styled Alkaline Trio.

But what Nightlights accomplishes is something a few, if any, punk bands can put together. That thing is a consistently solid album with a unique voice. The lyrics go beyond anything most punk acts are trying for, while keeping a fist-pounding rhythm. The melodies are more complex than the three-chord schlock that fills so many records. The guitars show a level a skill that, although not likely to draw comparisons to Jimi Hendrix or Eric Clapton, are solid and clean. The standout track is “Laces Out, Dan!” which is not quite emo, but not quite punk either. In fact, “Laces Out, Dan!” encapsulates the whole vibe of So It Goes with genre-melding magic. Overall, this is an impressive record.

(Eulogy Recordings, PO Box 24913, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33307)