MID CITY might be the next big Aussie success story. The Naarm/Melbourne outfit has been releasing music together since 2018, but they’ve taken their time in releasing an album. The wait was worth it. Happy Ever After is one of the best albums I’ve heard all year.
I’d already raved about the title track, which opens the album with a flourish. It’s the perfect introduction to this energetic rock act, but they’ve got a lot more in their arsenal. The tracks that follow hit just as hard, with powerful lyrics that pack an emotional punch that’s every bit the equal to those big guitar riffs and driving drums. MID CITY doesn’t take its foot off the throttle until the fourth track in, and even then we’re only shifting down a gear or two. This is an album that gets you moving, whether you’re punching your fist in the air or letting the sound take over your whole body. Not that MID CITY is all one note. While they love a big rock anthem, big ballads like “Someone Like You” and “Lover Again” will have you reaching for the cigarette lighter.
“Touring in Europe really informed what we wanted; playing some great festival stages and watching people react – or not – to the things we thought were important in creating the perfect hard-hitting banger,” the band explained. “What was surprising though, was the quieter side we found on some songs. We always wanted the album to be a little journey, not just a 170 bpm sweat fest, but we didn’t realise how satisfying it would be to create some songs with different tempos and feels. We’re really proud of the balance we found between bangers and more heartfelt quieter moments. Perhaps we’re maturing? I hope not.”
I found myself thinking of several big stadium acts as I listened to Happy Ever After. The Killers. Arctic Monkeys. Our own Gang of Youths and the Temper Trap. There’s a little of these bands in MID CITY, but there’s also a unique flavour that sets them apart. Just like those acts, I can picture MID CITY packing out stadiums all around the world. It’s already starting, with MID CITY playing dates in Europe and the United Kingdom next month. Expect those venues to be upgraded next time they travel. Until then, enjoy seeing the at the small spots while you can.
3 October 2023 – Galao, Stuttgart
4 October 2023 – Helios 37, Cologne
5 October 2023 – Pop Bar, Haldern
6 October 2023 – Molotow, Hamburg
8 October 2023 – Badehaus, Berlin
10 October 2023 – Nachtleben, Frankfurt
17 October 2023 – The Victoria Dalston, London
18 October 2023 – 33 Oldham Street, Manchester
Images used with permission from beehive; main image credit: Richard Clifford