Having just released their debut album Face The Sun, you would think that alternative/grunge rock band Midnight Transmission are the new kids on the scene, yet after 6 years together, it would seem that this band have only just found their sound. After forming in a music college practice room in 2009, the recent addition of Mark Penny on vocals has helped the Lisburn group to realise its full potential.
Drawing definite inspiration from the likes of Alice In Chains, Soundgarden and Kyuss, there is no doubt about it, Face The Sun simply oozes early 90’s grunge vibes throughout. Even from the outset, opener Undone hits you with its grinding guitars, steady drums and Penny’s strikingly deep, enigmatic vocals. This is a confident track, it’s deadly catchy, suitably sludgy and has extremely high production values, bringing 90s grunge straight up to modern day. This super heavy theme continues nicely along the course of the album, with tracks like Deep Within, Rumour and Current Affairs packing a serious punch, the thumps of the bass drum hitting you in the chest with every single beat.
That’s not to say that this quartet don’t have their lighter moments, Remedy and Interlude both show a subtly different side to the band whilst still staying within their signature sound. Penny’s voice undoubtedly makes this album what it is, the pure clarity, depth and assurance is impossible to ignore.
For me, the standout tracks would have to be Undone, Face The Sun and Remedy, but to be honest, it’s hard to pick, this is a solid album full of heavy, gritty, extremely well put together grunge tracks that don’t get tired after a few listens and are interesting enough to appeal to those who wouldn’t necessarily follow the grunge scene.
Face The Sun is out now and is available on Amazon, Spotify and iTunes.
