Bursting onto the modern rock scene with the ferocity of a fever dream come true, Midnite Radio is a masterclass in euphoric storytelling. They exist in a small bubble where soulful, velvet melodies meet cinematic, larger-than-life production. This is not just a band; this is a pact between two lifelong friends and collaborators, Lee Coram and Beak Wing, forged in the shared history of Lebanon, Tennessee. This is the bedrock of a sound that is both intimate in a secret way and vast in a stadium way. On February 10th, they invited us further into their world with the release of their six-song EP, “Auntie”, a record that requires more than just a cursory listen. It’s a record that breathes with a life of its own, and after spending some serious time within its walls, I want to offer you an honest rundown and my own personal interpretation of these six evocative tracks.
The EP kicks off with “Reboot in the Drought”, which begins not with the expected electronic “ping” of a reboot, but with a low hum that sounds like heavy machinery slowly coming to life in a quiet room. This is a very earthy, physical way to start an album, and it immediately sets the tone for the record’s industrial folk sound—the lyrics of the song deal with the frustration of trying to belong. The character tells us constantly that he doesn’t belong here. This song is relatable because it seems like we all have that imposter syndrome and don’t feel like we belong anywhere, too. Musically, the vocal delivery is breathy and intimate, right up front in the mix as if sharing a secret. The music swells from this initial hum into a rhythmic, almost tribal percussion pattern that simulates a heartbeat, leaving the listener with a sense of tentative optimism, as if the first drop of rain has fallen on parched earth.
Next is “Fear No Stars”. This track is a welcome respite from the tension built in the opening track, with a sudden, crisp strike of a piano key followed by a growing ambient wash. It is a sudden move from “ground” to “sky”. This is a theme of defiant courage in the face of the unknown. It is not a song about the beauty of the stars; it is a defiant refusal to be intimidated by the vast, cold expanse of the future or the “darkness” of one’s own path. The vocals are much more layered in this track, giving the sense of “strength in numbers,” even though they are simply multi-tracked vocals. The instrumentation remains atmospheric, with the slow build in percussion giving the sense that one is marching forward with each step, making the listener feel emboldened.
At number 3, we have “Backwards.” The intro is disorienting, with a low-end rumble that eventually clears, revealing a sharp, repetitive riff that seems to struggle against itself. The song is about the recognition of regression, the moment you realize you’re back to some bad habit or to some place in your own psyche that you thought you’d outgrown. It’s about the weight of the old ghosts in your life. The song is lyrically about the struggle between growth and the comfort of the familiar, even the unhealthy. The musicality is staccato; the singing is frantic, breathy, and rhythmic, like a person gasping for air. The accompaniment is thick and slightly discordant, with a physical, “backward” motion that puts the listener in a disturbed and contemplative state.
Up next is “Quench”. With this song, we enter a more mellow area, with an intro characterized by a deep, throbbing bass line that is almost liquid in its coolness. This is the “water” after the drought, and it is the relief of finally finding what you’ve been searching for, whether it is a person, a truth, or a sense of peace. The singing is soulful and fluid, shifting effortlessly from a low, conversational tone to a strong head voice. The instrumentation is lush, with organ swells and a relaxed drum pocket. It has a cleansing effect on the listener and is an emotional and profound song in this EP, with rich vocals.
“Paradise” is the curtain call song. This finale begins with a sparkling, looped, distorted synth pad sound, reminiscent of heat haze on the horizon. The theme subverts the traditional “happy ending.” It’s an exploration of the idea that “Paradise” is not something we find but something we remember or something we have to hold on to for a second. It’s bittersweet to recognize that, while we find peace, the world outside continues to spin. The musicality is grand and cinematic, with a pulsing beat and layers of sparkling electric guitars that build to a massive, distorted crescendo. The vocal performance is triumphant but with just a hint of nostalgia. As the instrumentation drops away, leaving only the sound of humming feedback, there’s a sense of closure that’s both massive and intensely personal.
It is not often that one gets to experience a project that feels so carefully crafted and so full of humanity. Still, Midnite Radio has somehow managed to bottle lightning with Auntie. Every single track is performed to an absolute level of perfection, with a balance of technique and emotional depth that one cannot help but notice. Their talent is evident, leaving a lasting impression that lingers long after the final note has faded. This EP is more than just a collection of tracks – it’s a statement of intent, and I, for one, am restless with anticipation to hear what their music holds.
Stream the “Auntie” EP on Spotify
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