MIDNIGHT EVILS
Breakin' It Down (Estrus Records)
Reviewed by Sherman Wick

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The Midnight Evils are among the best purveyors of good old-fashioned rock on the American indie-punk scene. The group's version of two-fisted drinking and partying rock recalls a Nine Pound Hammer and a punkier Motörhead.

The entire record is rockin' and the songs are breakneck and brief like the Ramones, so if you happen to dislike a tune then wait for two minutes and it will be followed by another screaming anthem or dirty lightning-paced blues. "Let Me In" sets the pace for the record, as the song is propelled by a big fat chunky guitar riff that is anchored by a cascade of hard hitting drums and a loud a-harmonized screeching chorus. "Good Time Vandy's Got the Blues," "Beat You Down" and "Getting' Down at the Midnight Hour" all are outstanding, and amazingly bereft of cliches - in the often overpopulated garage punk idiom. The songs conjure up images of a sweaty, smoky and packed bar - the best context to hear the Midnight Evils. These working class heroes are definitely worth checking out on tour.

© 2005 - Sherman Wick