MIDTONES combine gorgeous folk-rock dynamics with emotional thematic terrain on their third album, Mountain. The East Nashville-based quartet navigate the “midtones” of life between shadow and highlights, while acknowledging that everyone is traversing some kind of mountain. As the band explains: “Whether it’s parenting, friendship, relationships, or work, it can be hard to navigate the day to day, but this record is about why we all must keep going, even when it feels heavy.” They impactfully deliver these sentiments alongside a variety of tonal pursuits, from the energetic rock briskness of “Won’t Be Long” to the string-touched emotions within “All My Days.”
Opening the album with heartfelt immersion, the title track stirs in its initial piano-led solemnity and vocal introspection. Gentle guitar adornments combine with “it’s not working” vocal laments, capturing a sense of personal strife. “Let me bathe in the river, wash off all the hate and spite,” the vocals continue, cathartic in the ensuing “back to basics” themes of renewal. Depictions of starting anew resonate into an expansive midpoint, where soaring guitars and ghostly backing vocals converge. “Mountain” is an excellent table-setter in its palpable melodic momentum and lyrical drive, commencing an album that artfully explores the navigation of life and its mountainous terrain — and all of its hardships, and perseverance required to continue onward.
A more blaring immediacy is present on “Won’t Be Long,” which caught our ears upon its release. Chugging guitars and colorful organs complement a title-bearing momentum, signaling hope for brighter days following persistent adversity. Enjoyable shades of The War on Drugs show within the band’s driving, moody rock power at points throughout the release, and particularly on “Won’t Be Long Now” and “Here We Go Again.” The latter’s nocturnal rock swell and “living inside my head” drive to twanging guitars and melancholic piano makes for a wholly satiating entrancement, showing the band succeeding with darker, haunting appeal in addition to brighter, punchier efforts like “Won’t Be Long” and “The Shadow Moves,” whose pulsing bass, twinkling keys, and fervent vocals conjure a The Walkmen-esque rock ardency.
Another standout track, “All My Days” is amongst the album’s most gorgeous efforts. A lush synth pad simmers into heart-tugging strings and mellow keys, while the vocals marvel with a dreamily smitten quality in letting out “can’t believe you’re real.” Warming lyrical reassurances flow beautifully, tracing one’s daily passage and hope to share love — rather than letting it build up. Haunting vocals and sturdy guitar layers intertwine for an especially moving final minute.
“Cry” also impresses with its dynamic tonal build and emotive sincerity, its “going through hell” lyrical accounts progressing into a chilly synth-touched “all those days/nights” captivation and a brutally honest “I’m terrified of all lost times” admissions. The tender, affecting “Please Don’t Be The End” then closes the album with a gripping evolution — pleading for the lingering of familiarity and companionship, rather than their demise. Initially spacious intrigue develops into impassioned vocals and jangly, frolicking guitar work. A fantastic album from MIDTONES, Mountain enthralls in both its relatable thematic pursuits and consistently melodic, powerful productions.
