Customer Reviews

Midnight Movies

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I apologize in advance for the horrible joke I'm about to make: Definitely watch the "Midnight Movies," because this Los Angeles band has unique talent. Okay, horrible joke over -- but the self-titled debut brims over with moody, gritty psychedelic rock and throaty Nico-esque vocals.

Their sound is established in "Persimmon Tree," with a shadowy, swirling growl of bass and guitar; that mix of garage rock grit and psychedelic woo-woos is carried over into songs like the funereal rocker "Oh Twilight" and eerie "Strange Design," which explodes into sputtering bass chaos at the finale. Even quiet songs explode sooner or later.

Only two songs are really pop -- "Words for a Love Song" and "Tide and Sun," both as light and crystalline as a snowflake. And the garage rock sound runs like an underground river through all of "Midnight Movies." Some songs like "Human Mind" are almost pure rock, with only a few sonic flourishes. Even as garage rock goes, these are solid songs.

Garage rock is usually pretty gritty. But Midnight Movies don't let what every other band does determine what they do. Their grinding sound is tinged with art-rock, laced with electronica. In a nutshell, it's immensely original without being unfamiliar.

Musically it's almost impossible to get bored by "Midnight Movies." The band can switch gears smoothly -- one minute it's swirling psychedelic pop, then the hard-rockin' guitars, strong drums and bass kick in. And to add to the murky atmosphere, there are stretches of electronic psychedelica that soften and expand the garage-rock sound.

Gena Olivier has a great voice for this music -- it's as dark, murky and magnificent as their music. She also has a vocal resemblance to Velvet Underground chanteuse Nico, although a little more flexible and not as deep. And she can bring all the songs to life -- even "Words for a Love Song," which goes: "Captured/consumed/cherish/flirt." Sounds positively ominous when Olivier sings it.

Keep an eye on the "Midnight Movies." This moody, dark indie-rock is mesmerizingly original, and definitely one of the better albums of 2004.

This is the music we've been waiting for! New, fresh and hauntingly different from anything out there. One minute you're rocking your body to the heavy drums, guitar and keyboard combinations and the next your head is rolling with the suductive vocals lulling you into a trance-like state that lets you step into another dimension for a few moments. If you want an otherworldy experience with no dangerous re-entry risk. . . . give this a listen.

This is more retro than I had been led to believe, like Stereolab masquerading as one of the artier psychedelic bands of the 60s, like Ultimate Spinach. But very groovy. The female singer--no names are given, nor a photo of the band, which lost them a star--has a voice almost as low as Nico's, and the predominance of minor chords gives the music a dark feel. The guitarist is a great mimic of 60s guitar sounds; I heard echoes of the Electric Prunes and Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd, among others. And is that a Vox Continental organ I hear occasionally? Recommend to people who like the "Nuggets" compilations.

WOW! I first heard "Strange Design" of the Midnight Movies on Sirius satellite radio a few weeks ago. It hooked me in the first ten seconds, has a psychedelic flavor like Stereolab. And the lead vocalist has a luscious voice like Nico of Velvet Underground. I've had the CD for three days and listened to it seven times. That's all you need to know, now get the CD you won't be disappointed!

I got this album for 4 months now, and it's still highly recommended. They have one of the most original sounds of todays music. 'Blue Babies' grew on me, and it's also really good. Gina has a sweet, slightly numbing voice, so it's an excellent CD if you need to calm down, or just chill. I also have the enchanted version with an extra track on it. It's called 'Breathing In Dust' and I must say it's one of my favourites on this CD. This comes with high recommendations.

EDIT: Oh, and it does sound like Broadcast's Haha Sound (thanks for referring to that album in the review above this one, I hadn't heard of them before), so Midnight Movies might not be as original as I thought first. But I still love it, and even if they sound alot like Broadcast, they still add something to their music. Check this album and Broadcast's Haha Sound out, they're both top quality..

I had listened to their second album a lot years ago, but since I could not find it on vinyl. I just decided their first one would have to do. WOW! It's just as good, if not better, that the second album 'Lion the Girl.' There is not a single track that I do not absolutely love. Creates a very spacey, sexy, psychedelic rock mood. Almost like a modern day Jefferson Airplane with an underground L.A. feel. I love it and I encourage you to buy this album RIGHT NOW! PLUS, the record is neon orange which is really cool and the album artwork is just priceless. BUY IT NOW!!! NO REGRETS!!!

I found this a slightly annoying rip off of Broadcast; even the artwork, illustrations and typefaces where clearly informed by the last Broadcast LP, "Ha Ha Sound". This album lacks all the beauty and delicacy of Broadcast - buy one of their cds instead.
However, this cd does have one redeeming track, "Tide And Sun", which is really quite lovely, although it is basically "Frosti" the instrumental from Bjorks "Vespertine" with vocals. Maybe this cd is worth buying for that track alone. Maybe.