If some of the current party anthem, hell raising country on the radio isn’t your cup of tea then Midland is guaranteed to be your shot of whiskey! The trio with their sultry and smooth sounds, reminiscent of country from the 70s and 80s, bring a refreshing vibe to current country airplay.
Thanks to Sirius XM The Highway debuting their first single “Drinkin’ Problem” and naming them a “Highway Find”, I was stopped in my tracks the first time these mesmerizing vocals came across the airwaves. In fact as I sat down recently to listen to their EP (released last October) it’s like my mind was transported to another time. In that moment I felt I’d be more aptly listening to their songs playing on my record player than on my phone.
“Drinkin’ Problem” the trio’s first single, recently released to country radio, sets you right into the mood of what this band is bringing to the table. Smooth vocals paired with catchy storytelling lyrics so effortlessly delivered in classic country style.
“People say I’ve got a drinkin’ problem, That ain’t no reason to stop
People sayin’ that I’ve hit rock bottom, Just cause I’m living on the rocks
It’s a broken hearted thinkin’ problem, So pull that bottle off the wall
People say I got a drinkin’ problem, But I got no problem drinkin’ at all
They keep on talkin’, Drawing conclusions
They call it a problem, I call it a solution”
Reminiscent of the theme in Randy Rogers’ Band’s “Standards”, Check Cashin’ Country plaining and poignantly describes life of the road for a musician. These guys do it for the love of the music and not for the cash flowbecause life on the road is home to their souls..
” I hear that tip jar’s got a jangle, cause we ain’t got a single
on the radio, we make them dance ’round where we go
trying to turn a nickel to solid country gold
it goes T for Texas and Tennessee
we got miles to cover and places to be
the highway’s the only kind of life for me
sure ain’t in it for the money, this ain’t check cashin’ country”
As I continue to listen to this EP on repeat I have yet to get bored of the vocals on these 5 songs. No where near Burn Out, the 3rd track on this project continues to bolster the trios tight harmonies through their lyrics of comparing a lost love to that of the fading embers of a cigarette.
“with every hit, I’m gonna quit
but who am I kidding, I just can’t put you down
so I keep hanging around, watchin’ cigarettes burn out “
Stating in our recent interview, the guys explained to us how important the songwriting process is to each them. Equally contributing to their stories, they told us how every song has lyrics that can be attributed to each one of them individually.
This Old Heart “needs a break”, a theme almost everyone can sing a long to, this catchy tune will prove to be popular.
“this old heart’s been kicked around, this old heart’s had all it can take
it needs a little less wreckin’ and a lot more affection
some lovin’ and a little less ache”
Electric Rodeo is the perfect finish to round out this 5 track project. This tune will make you want to grab your hunny and pull them out on the dance floor.
“we’re painting on our suits, we’re plugging in our boots
we’re riding high tonight….
and the rhinestones shine just as bright as diamonds underneath the lights
electric rodeo”
“Midland”, the name inspired by Dwight Yoakam‘s “Fair to Midland” light-heartedly joke their name means “average” but this project proves they’ve set the bar way above mid grade. If you are a fan of classic country’s simplistic lyrics, smooth harmonies and twangin’ steel guitar which make up the heart and soul filled driven music then you will definitely be a fan of this group. We really enjoyed Midland’s showcase at CRS this year, this EP and are looking forward to new music due out sometime this fall.
Check out our interview for more information HERE and be sure to keep check of their socials and website for updates here:
FACEBOOK , TWITTER , INSTAGRAM , WEBSITE
We just hope that faithful DeLorean doesn’t ever pick them up and take them back to the time these guys came from. 😉
