By: Delanee Wilson
On October 6th, Maudlin Strangers, a small band from Agoura Hills, CA, released their long awaited four-track “Midnight” EP. With their last release being the single “Gingerale” in November of 2015, the band was absent for nearly two years. However, I can assure you that it was well worth the wait.
The EP opens with “Body Language”, a thrilling, groovy track that brings the energy to the table. It’ll make you want to dance, I guarantee it. Jake Hays showcases strong, high-pitched vocals that wash a little bit of 80’s nostalgia over the song.
They slow it down a bit with the next track, “Say What You Wanted”. The song is – for lack of a better word – vibey. It has rich bass tones and a solid beat that gives you that “driving down the highway into the sunset” feel.
Next up we have “What We Make It”, which is undoubtedly my favorite track on the EP. The synth in the beginning is ethereal – it draws you in immediately and makes you want to groove along. Jake’s vocals are pure magic in this song, and I can’t help but sing along every time I listen. This definitely goes down as one of my favorite tracks of 2017.
Last, but not least, the EP comes to a close with “I Suppose”. This song serves as a great last track, as its lyrics “and I’ll wait for something more to come along, I will let you go, I will let you go” seem like a farewell. This song has a solemn, sincere tone, and an overall beautiful, melancholy feel to it.
All in all, Maudlin Strangers did a fantastic job on their “Midnight” EP. Even though they took a bit of a hiatus, leaving fans hanging for a while, the wait for new music was well worth it. Jake Hays showcased a new side to him, displaying dynamic vocals and lyrical compositions that were really well produced.
I can’t wait to see what Maudlin Strangers does next!
Check out the EP below:
