NYCS First Impression: Midland’s Debut LP On the Rocks
Midland, three men with killer mustaches’ and even better wardrobes are making old sound new. Mark Wystrach, Cameron Duddy and Jess Carson live and breathe 70’s and 80’s country music. Hailing from California, Arizona, and Oregon the trio now call Texas home and are releasing their debut album, On the Rocks on Big Machine Records.
With the infamous statement “that’s not country music” lingering around today because of the fluidity of the genre, there is no doubt Midland is country music at its finest. Featuring some of country music’s best songwriters including, Shane McAnally, Rhett Akins, and Josh Osborne, the 13 track LP is filled with clever stories, complex harmonies and all the banjo one could want from a country record.
Throughout the album, Midland’s influences are clear, Gary Stewart, Keith Whitley, Merle Haggard, George Jones and of course George Strait especially on songs like “Burn Out” and their debut single that made its way all the way to the top of the country charts, “Drinkin’ Problem”.
A standout on the record, which also appeared on their self-titled EP, “Check Cashin’ Country” unapologetically tells the struggles of being a touring musician.
“I hear that tip jars got a jingle, cause we ain’t got a single on the radio / we make em dance wherever we go, tryin’ turn a nickel into solid country gold it goes T for Texas and Tennesee / we’ve got miles to cover and places to be the highways the only kind of life for me, sure ain’t in it for the money, this ain’t check cashin’ country.”
On a lighter note, their latest single off the project “Make A Little” is plain and simple about making love.
“So we should make a little, Generate a little / Maybe even make the world a better place a little / We could turtle dove, Dixieland delight / You know it can’t be wrong when it feels so right / It all comes down to you and me girl / There’s just not enough love in the world / So we should make a little / Then make a little more tonight”
Whether it’s songs about heartbreak and drinking away your sorrows (“Lonely For You”) or finding new love (“This Old Heart”), On the Rocks is chock-full of twang, fiddles, and genuine country music.
The album release comes on the heels of their big tour announcement with Kacey Musgraves and Little Big Town, which hits NYC on February 24th, 2018. For all of Midland’s upcoming tour dates and more information check out midlandofficial.com
