HIgh Road
Self-Released, 2018
8/10
The Canadian sensations Midnight Shine return with a 3rd album, and this time they bring a bit of culture to the affair and even a nod to their fellow Canuck Neil Young with a charming cover.
“Leather Skin” starts the album with piano and expressive vocals from Adrian Sutherland in the melodic song craft, and “Cold Walker” follows with a fuller setting of gritty pop-rock where some guitar crunch adds a punch.
In the middle, “Velocity” offers a spirited tune of upbeat and nearly alt-rock fun, while “Survivor” trims the setting back with a cautious yet powerful display of timelessness. “Heart Of Gold”, the lone cover, then retains some of the rawness of the original and brings in harmonicas as Midnight Shine pull off a stunning reworking.
At the end of the record, “Sister Love” builds into an Americana influenced rocker, and “I Need Angels” exits the listen with finger snapping and heartfelt singing where an anthemic quality enters the equation.
Although they’re most known for their roots rock prowess, Midnight Shine flirt with all sorts of influences around the rock and pop spectrum, too. It’s no surprise that several tracks here climbed high up the charts, as the quartet are certainly skilled and deliver like seasoned vets.
Travels well with: The Trews- Civilianaires; Buffy Sainte-Marie- Power In The Blood