The Middle Coast "the Making of:" Review

Hailing from Brandon MB, The Middle Coast (formerly Until Red) are about to release their first major record “The Making of:” It’s an album that feels oddly familiar and comfortable with a sound firmly planted in the 1970’s that hints at the Eagles, America and Stevie Wonder.
Recorded here and in Vancouver with a trio of producers, this recording perfectly matches their live sound. Roman Clarke (drums/vocals) has an outstanding voice which soars on the tune “House Lights”. Liam Duncan (keys/vocals) and Dylan MacDonald (vocals/guitar) can certainly sing too and together their harmonies are what bring on that nostalgic vibe.

The first single “Paycheck” is a breezy, B3 organ dripping tune that I am sure you’ll hear wafting out of open car windows as you wait for the light to change this summer.

The boys keep it pretty simple musically, with a familiar song structure that include sweet hooky choruses, and transparent lyrics. Guitar tones are slightly overdriven, layered over vapid organ patches and a classic drum beat.

Don’t get me wrong, the Middle Coast will find an enthusiastic audience that will love their upbeat beer-friendly rock. The band is still really young and I hope as they mature they will find a sound that will remain forever rooted in the music they obviously love, but will become less predictable, more complex, introspective and modern.

Chris Brown

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