The Midnight - Crystalline

(Self 2017)

The Midnight are probably the biggest act doing the "endless summer of '83" thing right now. And for good reason: the quality of Tim McEwan's productions are second to none, while singer Tyler Lyle's voice embodies the nostalgic aesthetic the style seeks to evoke. Add top notch compositions, butter smooth saxophone, and great guest appearances (this time from Timecop 1983 and Nikki Flores), and you've got a recipe for success.



Given all that, it's hard to find fault with Crystalline. The EP's best moments, "River of Darkness" (featuring Timecop 1983) and "Light Years" (featuring Nikki Flores) are just so far beyond what anyone else is doing. Like Endless Summer, though, Crystalline isn't top-to-bottom amazeballs. "Shadows" and "Crystalline" kind of bore me, to be honest. "Nocturnal," on the other hand, is good but a bit too by-the-numbers for such an exceptionally talented group. These are minor quibbles, though. Crystalline is a very strong release. 

Score: 9.5