Austin-based indie rock band Midcentury could be described as a group that straddles the line between nostalgic and post-modern music; their sound is crisp and new age, yet, it is reminiscent of indie and classic rock with hints of 80s synth pop. The band members came to Austin from all across the country and found a common thread in their musicality and songwriting inspiration. Midcentury is comprised of Bruce Allen Smith Jr.on lead vocals and guitar, Eric Harrison on the bass and vocals, Paul Murray on guitar, keys and vocals, Evan ‘Butch’ Wade on the drums, and Alex Chod contributing keys/synth and vocals.
The band first came together in 2014 when Bruce and Eric had a recording session at Eric’s first studio. At the time, Bruce was playing in a band called Turncloak. The two musicians immediately clicked and formed a kinship that would eventually lead to the birth of Midcentury. After calling it quits with Turncloak, Bruce and Eric reconnected to focus on creating new music. Drawing their initial inspiration from 80’s pop hits and influenced by musicians such as David Bowie, Tears For Fears, Tame Impala, The Shins, Brand New, Hall and Oates, Depeche Mode and the Talking Heads, the guys quickly found their groove.
Over the past two years, the band’s production abilities have collectively developed and they have entertained new techniques and methods for recording, resulting in Modern Nostalgia. The album, set to be released on February 17, 2018, is a unique, modern reinterpretation of 80s pop, 90s alternative, and early 2000s indie post rock. And at the same time, it radiates with rhythmic funk and tinges of hip hop.
Today Glide is premiering the music video for the song “Fallen”. The song is shimmering with hooky guitar riffs and chilled out lyrics that speak to a certain sense of angst. Musically and lyrically, it brings to mind the likes of Future Islands, Morrissey, and Interpol, but with a subtle yet explosive saxophone to blast it off into another dimension.
The video itself enhances the musical experience. Speaking on the music and inspiration for the video, director Zachary Griggs has this to say:
“I always thought the cinematic feel of the song would pair well with the mundane, so the images of someone working at a hotel came fairly quickly and I think it works well. Isabella is very compelling to watch, I think just her presence alone gives a lot of fuel to the banal images. Adding the twist at the end was something we all felt would add more depth to the video, giving something the viewers to think about.”
The band adds their own thoughts, saying:
“We loved Zac’s previous work and gave him complete artistic control of this video. We wanted something cinematic, not just a standard “stand around and play in slo motion” performance. He had a great idea and made a thought provoking work of art for us. We couldn’t be happier with it!”
WATCH:
For more music and info visit midcenturyband.com.
