Sea Breeze: Nighthawks
Sea Breeze – “Nighthawks”: A Groovy Nocturnal Drift from a Rising Psych-Rock Force
by Jack Rush
Manchester trio Sea Breeze return with “Nighthawks”, a sultry, genre-blurring single that cements their status as one of the UK’s most intriguing psych-rock newcomers. Blending psychedelia, funk, soul, and a distinct Mancunian cool, the track is the first preview of their forthcoming debut album, UNTITLED, and it arrives with both swagger and subtlety.
Formed in 2022 by bassist Jack Tonner and guitarist Joel Eastwood, the group found its third and final member when Ivan Renac joined on drums in 2024. Their musical chemistry has evolved quickly, yielding a sound that draws inspiration from Khruangbin, Altın Gün, and Yin Yin, but remains entirely their own—tightly grooved, emotionally textured, and refreshingly free of psych-rock clichés.
“Nighthawks” encapsulates everything Sea Breeze does well. It’s a slow-burning instrumental anchored by Tonner’s irresistibly fluid, funk-laced bassline and Eastwood’s crystal-clear guitar work. Every phrase feels deliberate yet relaxed, like it's gliding just above a city at night. Renac's drumming is tastefully restrained—groovy, steady, and always in service of the vibe. There’s no excess here, just pure feel.
The band has proven their chops on stage, too. Since their sold-out debut supporting Yin Yin at The White Hotel in February 2024, Sea Breeze have racked up an impressive live résumé, from headlining Manchester venues to playing festivals like Berwick Food & Beer and R Fest. Their UK tour in March 2025, which saw them hit cities including London, Glasgow, and Liverpool, only deepened their growing reputation.
Recorded after the success of their debut album Because It’s There and follow-up EP The Lost Caves, “Nighthawks” builds on the momentum of over 15,000 Spotify plays, appearances on Audio North’s Best of Manchester Music, and national radio support.
Despite its largely instrumental nature, “Nighthawks” communicates clearly. The melodies feel vocal in their phrasing, and the production prioritizes space and clarity over sonic clutter. This isn’t background music—it’s immersive. Whether you're walking home in the early hours or swaying in a crowd at sunset, the track invites you into its nocturnal world.
If this single is any indication, Sea Breeze’s upcoming album could be a sleeper hit of the year. With their tight interplay, laid-back precision, and genre-fluid instincts, the band is quietly but confidently reshaping what UK psych-rock can sound like in 2025—and we’re here for it.
Have a listen and connect with Sea Breeze:
Facebook Sea Breeze (@seabreezeuk) • Instagram photos and videos
