Tony Pascarella
09/27/07, 11:48 PM
The Midnight Renewal – The New York Songs [EP]
Release Date: February 2007
Record Label: Unsigned
Showcasing a sound somewhere between Damiera and Midtown, The Midnight Renewal are quite possibly the hottest band you haven't heard. The Richmond, Rhode Island quintet released a three-song EP earlier this year titled The New York Songs, which they recorded with Michael Birnbaum and Chris Bittner (of Coheed & Cambria fame). The strong production is perfect for The Midnight Renewal's technically-alluring music, which simultaneously give you an overdose of both sugar and enmity (with a bit of humor thrown in).
The combination of high and low end in “Lost Without You” gives the song an unusual vibrance. Ryan Moran's vocals are crisp and refreshing, his lyrics catchy yet still interesting and introspective. The chorus is a bit repetitive, but the song dances along so entrancingly that you'll hardly notice as you're singing along. On “A Suitor's Plot,” Moran lets loose vocally, especially on the harmonies. This is another infectious song, although it doesn't offer quite as technically interesting fare from the rhythm section as the first track.
“Stay Where You Are” is my favorite song on the EP, combining the best elements of its predecessors into a sing-along jam session fit for the ages. Clean-cut hooks and a strong performance from drummer Evan Green are just the beginning. In addition, Moran shows off some range as he's painting a pretty amusing portrait of a failed relationship.
The songs could use an extra verse here and there, and maybe have the guitars cranked a bit more, but overall, I was very impressed by the maturity and songwriting the band shows on this offering. I'll go so far even to say that it's a travesty that The Midnight Renewal aren't signed yet, based off of talent alone. The New York Songs EP is only three songs, but if you're into infectious, interesting music, The Midnight Renewal's unique sound will satisfy your appetite and keep you hitting “repeat.”01. Lost Without You
02. A Suitor's Plot
03. Stay Where You AreAP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/themidnightrenewal) | Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/themidnightrenewal)
Release Date: February 2007
Record Label: Unsigned
Showcasing a sound somewhere between Damiera and Midtown, The Midnight Renewal are quite possibly the hottest band you haven't heard. The Richmond, Rhode Island quintet released a three-song EP earlier this year titled The New York Songs, which they recorded with Michael Birnbaum and Chris Bittner (of Coheed & Cambria fame). The strong production is perfect for The Midnight Renewal's technically-alluring music, which simultaneously give you an overdose of both sugar and enmity (with a bit of humor thrown in).
The combination of high and low end in “Lost Without You” gives the song an unusual vibrance. Ryan Moran's vocals are crisp and refreshing, his lyrics catchy yet still interesting and introspective. The chorus is a bit repetitive, but the song dances along so entrancingly that you'll hardly notice as you're singing along. On “A Suitor's Plot,” Moran lets loose vocally, especially on the harmonies. This is another infectious song, although it doesn't offer quite as technically interesting fare from the rhythm section as the first track.
“Stay Where You Are” is my favorite song on the EP, combining the best elements of its predecessors into a sing-along jam session fit for the ages. Clean-cut hooks and a strong performance from drummer Evan Green are just the beginning. In addition, Moran shows off some range as he's painting a pretty amusing portrait of a failed relationship.
The songs could use an extra verse here and there, and maybe have the guitars cranked a bit more, but overall, I was very impressed by the maturity and songwriting the band shows on this offering. I'll go so far even to say that it's a travesty that The Midnight Renewal aren't signed yet, based off of talent alone. The New York Songs EP is only three songs, but if you're into infectious, interesting music, The Midnight Renewal's unique sound will satisfy your appetite and keep you hitting “repeat.”01. Lost Without You
02. A Suitor's Plot
03. Stay Where You AreAP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/themidnightrenewal) | Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/themidnightrenewal)