James Bay
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
Canada’s Midnight Shine made a lot of new fans with 2018’s High Road, and thankfully they’ve remastered their 2013 debut album here, putting some gloss on their roots with new cover art, a couple tracks not on the original, but, thankfully, with the same multifaceted version of rock that they’re making their name on.
The album leads with the atmospheric talking of “N’dodemuk” that segues into the roots friendly version of rock of the title track, where smooth vocals from Sutherland and agile guitar strumming populate the landscape.
After the strong start, “Hopeless Romantic” recruits warm harmonica alongside a crisp rhythm section, while “Worth The Fight” brings keys into a very cautious yet playful album highlight. “Since You Been Gone” then offers a rugged yet tuneful display of Midnight Shine’s brand of rock, as Sutherland puts his vocal range on display.
Deeper into the record, “Mooshum” is another track that benefits from harmonica as a thicker, fuzzier presence enters and is easily embraced, and “Misguided Woman”, the first track Sutherland ever penned, exits the listen with adventurous piano complementing the frisky rock’n’roll spirit.
A move that many make when gaining popularity and one that doesn’t always end up being the best idea, this reissuing of Midnight Shine’s early days was absolutely a worthwhile effort that new and old fans will appreciate and explore in depthly.
Travels well with: The Trews- Civilianaires; Arkells- Morning Report