Back in October, San Diego locals Midnight Track came back around with a new drummer and a brand new album. Alienation, is the follow up to the band’s debut album Don’t Be Proud of Me. It features 11 songs that continue to focus on the nostalgic side of punk rock. Through both releases, Midnight Track blurs no lines when it comes to style preferences. The sound will take you back to the 70’s and early 80’s eras of punk with influences such as Cock Sparrer, Circle Jerks, and The Clash.
Alienation keeps things simple. Songs like Cheap Beer, Forever on Vacation, and No Rights by title alone leave little mystery to the lyrical content therein. While these tracks also showcase a traditional swift paced power chord sound, other songs such as No Reason to Smile, Lucky Day, and About You bring the tempo down slightly and introduce some dynamics courtesy of toggling back & forth between clean and distorted guitar sounds. To round things out, the band includes some ska tinged numbers as well…one of which is merely a 52 second filler track aptly titled “Ska”. Oddly, this is my favorite track on the album. I’ve always had a bit of a thing for ska tunes without the horns. The clean guitars allow the cool walking basslines to stand out and I think Midnight Track are at their best when they get in to this realm.
While the instrumental arrangements might feature subtle changes from track to track, the vocal delivery is always consistent. More specifically, you can expect a gruff, off-pitch, crass, and self-deprecating sound that embodies the spirit of old school street punk. Complete with a few F bombs, OI shouts, and group chants the mission of Midnight Track seems evident. While I have yet to see these guys live, I would imagine the following: When you’re ready for a care-free night of rowdy group hugs and sloshing beers at the local dive, these guys can likely help with that!
2.75 out of 5 SDP Skullz
Artist: Midnight Track
Album: Alienation
Label: NA
Release Date: October 10th, 2018
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Reviewed by Todd Dulawan
