When I reviewed Red Letter Glow, the debut album from The Midnight Callers back in 2020, I waxed rhapsodically about the band, their well-crafted songs, and their fantastic sound, a perfect fusion of classic rock and power pop, featuring a touch of punk. The band is back with their sophomore release, Rattled Humming Heart, which will be released June 23rd on JEM Records. I’m here to tell you that Red Letter Glow was no fluke. Rattled Humming Heart is one of the best rock and roll records I’ve heard this year.
“New York Tramp,” the album’s opening salvo, explodes with a hard-driving guitar and drum attack, amplified with some terrific vocals, wrapped up in a song that will remind you of vintage Cheap Trick. Rattled Humming Heart is positively drenched in the sounds of classic rock and power pop, with a bit of glam added to the mix. If you’re a fan of T-Rex, The Raspberries, Badfinger, Big Star, Queen, Dwight Twilley and Tom Petty, you’ll find tunes such as “Closer” and “Without Ya” absolutely hitting your sweet spot. Songs like “Step!” and “Baby Let Me Be” will warm the hearts of power pop fans everywhere, and have them quickly reaching for the replay button.
The Midnight Callers also know how to rock out, as evidenced by the boisterous “What Goes Around,” and the high-energy “Little Runaround.” In addition to the classic rock influences which permeate this must-have release, there’s a modern rock vibe on songs like “Girl On The Run” and “Colors," which has a bit of an Alarm-like feel to it. It’s hard to pick favorites on an album filled with such splendid tunes, but I really dig the synergy of wonderful lyrics, vocals and instrumental work on “The Plan,” and the acoustic-laced “Maggie,” a pair of love songs that have a lot of heart, and amply display the versatility of this outstanding band.
The group may wear their influences on their sleeves, but they’re not a copycat act. Their passion for creating extraordinary music is evident throughout Rattled Humming Heart, illustrated by their top-notch playing, as well as their superb songwriting skills. The band’s stellar lineup consists of Chris Paine on rhythm guitar and vocals, Marley Myrianthopoulos on bass and vocals, Martin Stubbs on lead guitar and vocals, and Julien Budrino on drums and vocals. The album was produced and mixed by the uber-talented Kurt Reil (of Grip Weeds fame), who did a phenomenal job working with the band, helping them craft a disc that’s even better than their impressive debut.
The Midnight Callers aren’t jaded rockers going through the motions, they’re excellent musicians at the peak of their powers, both as players and songwriters. This band is clearly dedicated to crafting first class rock and roll. Rattled Humming Heart fulfills the promise of Red Letter Glow, and shows us that the best is yet to come from these New York City based rockers. For more on The Midnight Callers and Rattled Humming Heart, head over to JEM Records: https://www.jemrecordings.com/.
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