The Rhythms of the Night: On David Gray’s ‘Nightjar’ and the Elusive Burung Tukang
There is a distinct playlist that belongs entirely to the night.
If you live anywhere near the green pockets of the Klang Valley, you’ve likely heard one of its most faithful nocturnal musicians. I have never seen it with my own eyes, but I know its voice intimately. To us, it is the burung Tukang—the Nightjar.
True to its Malay name, its call is a piece of eerie, beautiful craftsmanship. It doesn't sing so much as it builds; a rhythmic, mechanical hammering sound that cuts through the silence like a tiny carpenter at work, or the steady, mesmerizing chime of a distant temple bell. It is a creature that socializes only when the rest of the world goes quiet.
It feels incredibly poetic, then, that singer-songwriter David Gray chose this very creature as the title for his latest archival release, Nightjar (March 2026).
A Treasure from the Shadows
Much like the bird itself, this album is something mysterious pulled out from the shadows of the past. Released as a companion piece to mark the 20th anniversary of his seminal album Life in Slow Motion, Nightjar is a massive 19-track collection of previously unreleased songs recorded during that incredibly prolific period around 2004 and 2005.
For those who fell in love with the sonic warmth and emotional weight of that era, this album feels like coming home. It captures a time when Gray was balancing his signature acoustic-and-piano heartbreak with textured, experimental studio elements.
Standout Moments in the Dark
Stepping into this 19-track universe can feel daunting, but a few pieces immediately anchor the listener:
"When I Fall in Love": A stunning opener that immediately wraps you in that classic, rich singer-songwriter depth.
"The Easy Way Out": A track carrying that signature emotional urgency and driving rhythm that defines Gray’s best work.
"Nightjar": The title track itself, which perfectly mirrors the moody, reflective, and slightly haunting atmosphere of its nocturnal namesake.
"Laughing Gas" (2004 Version): A raw, fascinating alternative peek into a fan-favorite history.
Final Thoughts
There is something deeply comforting about music that waits for the right time to be heard. These songs sat in a vault for two decades; the burung Tukang waits all day in absolute stillness just to speak to the night. Both remind us that some of the most beautiful rhythms are the ones that take their time to emerge.
If you’re looking for something to accompany your late-night writing sessions, your quiet evening commutes, or a rainy afternoon, put on your headphones and let Nightjar play.
Have you listened to the new album yet? Do you have a favorite track that stands out, or a nocturnal sound that inspires your own creative space? Let’s chat in the comments below!
TESSA YUSOFF
1 June 2026
Contact aeedaoli@gmail.com
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