The Middlemen- Post Script

The Middlemen- Post Script








I think this blog is getting a case of the alt countries- case in point (again): The Middlemen's debut record "Post Script". But don't take that as a complaint, these guys are another example of awesome talent to come out of the southeast, combining a rootsy twinge into straight on rock and roll. Add to that some of the best songwriting I've heard in a while and you've got the Middlemen.

The record seems to have more tracks than most of the local groups in the Nashville/Murfreesboro area, but by no means does it mean that the record plays long. The 13 songs move along at a quick pace, starting out with a kick in the track "Afraid", dipping the tempo down a few songs later, but never slowing it completely. By the time the somewhat epic-final track "The Other Way" is reached, there's a good chance that you'll want to hear the record again. A few f these tracks that stand out and bear extra listens are "Most Beautiful Thing" (if you're a girl and like sweet songs, this one is a particularly sweet one), "Silver Screens" for a good rock out and "Stars" for a three minutes of singing along.

Having seen the guys play live a few times lately, it goes without saying that one needs to see them live if at all possible and you can appreciate the record even more. Singer Bobby Gray goes for it in live performances and you can't help but be pulled in (trust me, I was almost impaled with the neck of his guitar a few weeks ago at a house show). The band's on tour on a bit, so check out their myspace for dates, songs and live videos.

Review: Good Night & Good Morning's "Studentin"

Good Night & Good Morning : "Studentin" EP

Sometimes you want to rock out, sometimes you want to dance and sometimes you just want to chill. Giving Good Night & Good Morning's newest EP a spin is one of the quickest ways to achieve the latter.

The band hails from Champaign, Illinois & is comprised of Ryan Brewer [vocals & guitar], Pat Elifritz [piano/bells/visuals] & Roisin Maguire [harp/un-awkwardness] (band duties listed as stated on the their myspace).

After randomly hearing the tunes online, I had to let them know how blown away I was. A few weeks later, a copy of their EP "Studentin" hit my mailbox. The first time that I listened to the record I just lazed around in bed, taking in the calm, ambient tracks.

Overall, the songs are gorgeous and make full use of the skills these guys and gal obviously house. The lyrics are somewhat 'emo' at times (particularly the song "Lune") and get a little repetitive, but given the lush instrumentation, it is easily looked over.

These folks are currently on tour in the midwest and will hopefully venture more towards the southeast by the end of the year. The vibe they give off (and is seen by the friends they keep-Toby Foster, RedBear,The Awful Truth are in their top 8) point to the d.i.y. underground house show scene. As you might've picked up by now, it's one of my favorites. I love how they're just different enough from the typical acoustic guitar artists but they definately still fit in with that whole crowd.

You can check out some tunes by Good Night & Good Morning on their myspace, which has a few downloadable songs- I suggest you give them a listen. Then order a record. Particularly if you live in the southeast (then they'll have to come, right? Of course!).

The band recently did a video interview with smilepolitely.com. And for your viewing pleasure here is said video....