19 Mar 2024
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

The Midnights - 'Outside' Album Review

14 Jan 2011 // A review by Dilemma

The Midnights are an all-original New Zealand soul roots reggae band that are very well known for their lives shows. They have a very classic approach with slower Roots Reggae reminiscent of old school Marley.

Their new 12 song album has unique lyrics and fresh sound, that could be described as a sort of smokey urban reggae meets a smidgen of ska.

The first track 'Unsettled' has a brilliant up beat harmony and back up singers that obviously know how what they are doing, and build the track superbly.

The tracks are very Marley-esque incorporating electric reggae guitar riffs and licks with a traditional relaxing calming rhythm.

'2 Slow' brings in more drum and change up the sound showing great versatility in the music that the midnights have perfected over their years of playing live music. The tempo lifts with a combination of rock guitar, drums under that timeless reggae guitar in ‘conspiracies’which changes temperament and introduces of a kind of chaotic brass section. This is probably my favourite track because it has so much going but synchronizes so well. 'Sword and a Dagger' returns to the guitar reggae and beautiful back up harmonies.

The whole album is an innovative experience that does nothing less than engage New Zealand with its reggae roots and a lifestyle that we love to embrace, especially in the summer. Great album to have on a Sunday afternoon chilling out in the sun.

 

About The Midnights

Having spent their formative years honing their craft playing late night house parties, dive bars and crashing the odd folk evening, The Midnights have amassed a loyal following and in turn, become notorious for their energetic and raw live shows.

It is this talent and passion for live reggae music, which has seen the five-piece leap from its humble origins into the limelight - word of mouth securing them spots at major festivals alongside reggae legends such as The Wailers, UB40, Third World, The Skatalites and Maxi Priest purely on the basis of their formidable live reputation.

Since forming, The Midnights have appeared on a range of compilations including Conscious Roots 2 and 3, released a limited edition EP Hot Country in 2005 and a limited tour edition album The Midnights in early 2010. In late 2010, The Midnights followed their tour album up with their first official and anticipated debut LP, Outside.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for The Midnights

Releases

Outside
Year: 2010
Type: Album
Hot Country
Year: 2006
Type: EP

Other Reviews By Dilemma

Janine and the Mixtape - EP Review: XX
22 Jun 2015 // by Dilemma
2013 was a big year, Lorde released her first EP but she wasn’t our only Singer/Songwriter that got international acclaim that year, there was also Janine Foster otherwise known as Janine and The Mixtape. Described as an electrifying performer that has developed her own unique combination of pop, indie, R&B, and hip hop.
Read More...
Tali - Album Review: Wolves
28 May 2015 // by Dilemma
Tali AKA Natalia Sheppard is pretty impressive, she paired up with Roni Size to release Lyric on my Lip which smashed the charts in 2002, became the first female MC to release an album in 2004 over 10 years ago. She has won the Best Female DNB MC award a few times (3) and has just released her new album Wolves, which she describes as “electronic soul and gangsta jazz"!
Read More...
Khemikal - Justice EP Review
06 Nov 2014 // by Dilemma
Silos feat. Nel Amore have released their debut EP Justice, 5 tracks with thumping base lines, some repetitive hooks and a brit-chick that raps and sings.
Read More...
Emily Edrosa EP Review
05 Nov 2014 // by Dilemma
Emily Edrosa is Emily Littler, member of Street Chant – an Auckland trio that has played since 2007 and won the inaugural Critics Choice at the 2010 NZ Music Awards. Emily however, has been putting out some new solo stuff as Emily Edrosa, which is the second effort after Body/Christ released in 2013.
Read More...
PNC - The Codes Album Review
24 Jul 2014 // by Dilemma
PNC AKA Sam Hansen released his fifth album less than a month ago and it’s already smashing sales and tearing up the NZ charts. The album titled The Codes is our newest urban success and it seems that PNC has found his stride with his latest offering.
Read More...
Jayson Norris - Save My Soul EP Review
16 May 2014 // by Dilemma
New from Jayson Norris is the Save My Soul EP as part of NZ Music Month. If you are a fan of Kora style rock or Tiki Taane melodies then you will love this five-song EP, cleverly incorporating roots and the groove of mainstream guitar rock’n’soul to blur genres.
Read More...
Estère - Estere Album Review
10 May 2014 // by Dilemma
Released as a free download via Bandcamp the debut EP from Wellington singer/songwriter/beatmaker/producer Estere is definitely unique in the NZ music scene. Self-described as “just a girl with an MPC” Estere works her equipment and the product is individualistic, raw and worthy of a listen this NZ Music Month.
Read More...
Ill Semantics - You Got It Feat. Scribe and K.One Single Review
09 May 2014 // by Dilemma
The Ill Semantic’s are back for 2014 and while it's been over 20 years since they formed they still have the ability to make really good, current hip hop music. Ill Semantics are getting ready to drop their third album and have delivered the first single titled You Got It feat.
Read More...
View All Articles By Dilemma

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)
    Ariana Grande
  • BEAUTIFUL THINGS
    Benson Boone
  • END OF BEGINNING
    Djo
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • TEXAS HOLD 'EM
    Beyonce
  • PRAISE JAH IN THE MOONLIGHT
    YG Marley
  • STICK SEASON
    Noah Kahan
  • CARNIVAL
    Kanye West And Ty Dolla $ign
  • SATURN
    SZA
  • LOVIN ON ME
    Jack Harlow
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report a ProblemReport A Problem