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Post by wishstars on Jul 25, 2007 19:30:36 GMT -5
okey-dokey then...so...i was intrigued as to whether i could find any music by steve's other band - Midsummer - on the internet...as i wondered what it sounded like... ...and was thus, pleasantly suprised when i found their myspace page ( profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=10626303 ) ...there's some really good music on there...and im now tempted to buy the music that's available on itunes... ...so anyway...just thought i'd point it out - seeing as it's autumns related...and as it's good music...just further proof of steve's endless talents...
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Post by edgelessshores on Jul 26, 2007 15:33:40 GMT -5
wish, thanks for pointing this out... I've been around these parts for some time, but had no idea that Steve was involved in other musical projects! So it seems that the band members each have other creative outlets (musical and otherwise) that are thriving, and it couldn't happen to a better group of guys. My question is, when do any of them find time for sleeping, eating, etc.? Cheers, edge
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Post by mimsy on Jul 26, 2007 16:42:14 GMT -5
pssst! I'm not really supposed to let this slip, but.... they're robots. sssshhhh!
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Post by wishstars on Jul 26, 2007 17:14:14 GMT -5
they're robots. sssshhhh! ...so the truth finally comes out...well...i never!!! Is that where the new album title comes from - the autumns were made from a 'box of toys'...and thus...their music is 'fake noise'...i think im on to something here!?!?!?!?!?!?!
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Post by tentonironore on Jul 27, 2007 13:34:54 GMT -5
One day a long time ago, a friend came up to me in the parking lot of the college we attended. He said his band had just finished their first EP and asked if I’d like one. It was Midsummer’s Catch and Blur EP. No joke--they’ve been my #1 band ever since. I actually find myself listening to Midsummer more often than the Autumns (though I love them too). The second time I saw the Autumns I was surprised to see Steve drumming them; I previously saw them with the old drummer. I had always associated Steve with Midsummer. At that show, I noticed that the drum kit was set up in a distinct way, but once he did the upside down cymbal on the floor tom thing, I knew it was Mr. Elkins. Here’s my take on their releases…
The Catch and Blur EP is pretty straightforward. The songs are very beautiful, with lots of twinkling guitars, and the production is great. The vocals are really good too (including some lead vox by Steve); as far as vocals go, this is my favorite Midsummer release.
The Moon Shadow EP is a lot more expansive… definite dream pop elements are still there, but there is more experimentation… unusual time signatures, dissonant noisy passages, orchestral sections, and a very dreamy closing song. It didn’t wow me right away, but it has grown to be my favorite Midsummer release—definitely the most satisfying listen.
The split CD with Coastal, This Ageless Night, is a lot more concise than Moon Shadow. I think I remember reading that this was their intention. “Silent Blue” gets my vote for best dream pop song (old or new)…
I ran into Ryan (Midsummer guitar player) a couple months ago and he said the full-length is about 70% done (and has been for about a year). They just scored the film Driftwood, which I guess took them away from finishing mixing.
Anyway, I’d get any Midsummer stuff you can. I love it.
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Post by wishstars on Jul 27, 2007 15:29:21 GMT -5
*Shock* Steve does vocals aswell...it really does prove the theory that there isnt anything he cant do!!!
...from the myspace page...i really liked the track from the driftwood soundtrack...so hopefully they will put it out in some shape or form...but i guess we will just have to wait for that!!!
...and now, from tentonironore's description...im definitely gonna have to get the midsummer stuff now...my poor poor bank account...ahwell...
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Post by edgelessshores on Jul 27, 2007 16:35:05 GMT -5
The plot thickens... I'm still in disbelief that I've never heard of Midsummer until yesterday. Thanks, tentonironore, for all of the info. How's this for irony? I've had the "Blisscent II" CD for months now. I picked it up just to have it for the supposed "demo" of the Slumberdoll suite (which doesn't sound that different to these ears, by the way). What I didn't realize was that Mr. Elkins appeared on a little track called "Silent Blue" by Midsummer, which happened to be one of my other favorites on that disc! (Now I know why the name seemed a bit familiar... If their other songs are of the same quality as Silent Blue, I'll definitely need to get some more Midsummer material. Cheers, edge
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Post by colleen on Nov 14, 2007 23:44:03 GMT -5
I love Midsummer. I've always associated them closely with the Autumns as they played at one of the earliest Autumns shows I attended (at the Troubadour). I'd have to say I'm partial to This Ageless Night as my husband is Coastal's drummer.
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Post by tentonironore on Dec 4, 2007 16:01:40 GMT -5
I love Midsummer. I've always associated them closely with the Autumns as they played at one of the earliest Autumns shows I attended (at the Troubadour). I'd have to say I'm partial to This Ageless Night as my husband is Coastal's drummer. Ooh, nice. I love Coastal.
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Post by wishstars on Mar 4, 2008 17:13:45 GMT -5
Just a quick note to say that Midsummer have updated their myspace with the album details/release date... ...i have already ordered my copy of the double cd (along with everything else available!!!)...and am now waiting patiently for it to arrive from across the Atlantic... *goes to sit by the door in anticipation*
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Post by nocturnes on Mar 6, 2008 10:29:34 GMT -5
Finally getting around to listening to them. The material on MySpace (from the new album) sounds very good. I'm intriqued...
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Post by edgelessshores on Mar 9, 2008 11:16:41 GMT -5
Thanks for the heads up, wish. I'll be ordering my copy shortly!
[update 3/11: Ordered one of the limited edition 2CD sets... can't wait to hear it!]
Cheers, edge
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Post by edgelessshores on Mar 25, 2008 18:55:00 GMT -5
I've got a solid week of listening under my belt with "Inside the Trees" and I must say that I'm in awe of how good it is. Frankly, it's simply unfair that a band with this much talent isn't better known, even among folks who are comparatively "in the know" about such things.
The record itself is nice blend of what we've come to know and love about Midsummer - slices of chiming guitar and slow-dancing keys, emotional vocals in just the right spots, and an operatic musical palette that ranges from supremely delicate to brash and abrasive. At the risk of alienating others on this board, my reference point for this release is primarily Explosions in the Sky... provided EITS had a vocalist, better drumming, and a more ambitious (and satisfying) sense of melody and mood. (Now don't interpret this as a cut on EITS - I like them quite a bit, but it proves just how much I'm enjoying "Inside the Trees"!)
Bottom line: Buy a copy (or ten). It's well worth it, whether you're a new listener or an existing fan. The limited edition CD (with their soundtrack to "Driftwood") is likely close to selling out, but is an intriguing - though brief - listen in its own right.
Cheers,
edge
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Post by mimsy on Mar 26, 2008 15:10:25 GMT -5
Bottom line: Buy a copy (or ten). Sir, yes sir!
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