Inspired by the disparate likes of My Bloody Valentine and Joni Mitchell, Ireland's Gemma Hayes began to receive a fair amount of notice during 2001 as a rising singer/songwriter. Signed to France's hip Source label on the strength of a demo that lacked any accompanying information or photos, Hayes, who was 23 at the time of signing, soon got to work on the five-song 4.35AM EP. Not only did the EP impress critics, but Mark Linkous (Sparklehorse), Mark Eitzel, and David Gray each expressed admiration and asked her to tour with them. Following the release of the EP and some sporadic gigs, Hayes began recording her debut full-length with Dave Fridmann (Mercury Rev, the Flaming Lips, Mogwai). Night On My Side came out in the U.K. in 2002, and it was issued in the U.S. the following year. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide