Record Review: Midnight Revival

by | Sep 21, 2011 | Reviews

Midnight Revival
EP
Atlanta, GA

“The idea of ensemble revived”

On their debut record, EP, Midnight Revival sounds like an ensemble. In the album’s five tracks, the band forgoes solos, busy hands, and layers of unnecessary instruments in exchange for something whole and authentic. Fittingly, they play roots music that draws from that original point in Americana where blues, country, and folk were all cut from the same cloth. There is a connotation to big tents when revival comes to mind, but this one pertains to front porch gatherings between friends playing only for themselves and those lucky enough to be nearby.

EP opens with “You Did Me Wrong” which features a thick groove tacked down and stitched together with interplay between slide guitar and harmonica. The song’s closing call and response vocals might just be the best possible way to start off this record, proving that everything this band does finds everyone contributing equally. Next, “Kicking Up Dust” features slide work endearingly reminiscent of Duane Allman on top of a mid-tempo country shuffle. “Fighting Pillows” is a quieter, mid set respite before the band picks things up again with “Walking Man,” which brims with full-bodied resonance. “Junkyard Child” ends the record on a slower, bluesier note, but reaching the end will just prompt you to start again (Self-released).

Recorded and Mixed by Dustin Boyer and Jaz Dixon at Two Story Studios

midnightrevival.bandcamp.com