MID

A local band out of Alexandria, VA, MID is comprised of lead singer Zak, lead guitarist Karsten, bassist Richi, and drummer Rob. MID’s sound is a potent brew of Ska and Post-Punk. They are self-described as an “Indie Rock” a genre so vast it swallows up idiosyncratic artists like a black hole. Staying true to the high-quality band rule, their music is hard to pin to one specific category. All it takes is one listen and you’ll know these dudes have done their homework. They’ve studied what makes a good song catchy and yet unpredictable. I am sure their musical influences are just as immense as their own style. Their sound cuts deep, it excites, it pulsates throughout your bloodstream. The lyrics are bold, symmetrical, and addictive.

MID’s look and style create a certain mystique around the band. The two singles released thus far, “Sick To My Stomach” and “Gemini” both have been released on Spotify with background videos of dancing masked individuals. The first with a head-banging Jar Jar Binks. The latter, wearing a plain white mask. A description is best found somewhere between phantom of the opera meets Miyazaki’s “No Face”. What’s even more fascinating is when you take into account that, unless you’re one of the chosen few who knows the band personally, there is little to no information available about them. Their bio is hidden under the Merch tab of their website and is all but 4 lines. Begging the question, who are these guys? Perhaps they want you to search their music for answers and not just rely on old habits of analysis. Trust me when I say, nothing about this band is atypical or mid, except for their name.

Gemini

A personal favorite of mine, the song “Gemini” paints a brooding image of romance. The surf king guitar intro melody sets the scene, letting the listener know the character in play will be taken for the proverbial ride. MID also cues you into, hey this girl is tricky in her “skin tight sundress” just tryna have her fun. She's not afraid to flaunt it either, “waving to the driver…and... the moon men”. As someone who is now in my 30’s this song calls back to that feeling of frustrated excitement felt when first navigating my way through relationships. Music always provides the perfect antidote for the times when you’ve been cut deep by the double edged blade of love-no matter what your age. Thinking it surely must get better into adulthood, come to find people just get better at fucking you over, and in the process you do as well (hence the double edged nature).

The sense of vulnerability and release of Gemini’s hook is straight money. “Fallin’ apart, did you enjoy your push to start?”. It strikes the right feelings and hits the right notes, stoking that age old fire, a blend of nostalgic adoration for an old flame and yet a burning sense of disdain. The song surfaces in your mind as a perfect angsty breakup song. One that helps you to put a name to your anger and a face to your pain. When you’ve provided the support and nourishment to help another being flourish and grow, all the while you were the fertilizer, as such they treated you like shit.

The unrequited feelings the song captures suck, but Gemini’s melody leads you into a soothing relief from agony. The last line of this song (explicit version) “Fuck me over Gemini”, is the full emancipation from this broken feeling. It is a very personal line. It hurts so good and feels so good to say. I love that they used it! Whether or not the muse of this song bears the astrological sign of the twins or not, it makes for the most suitable description of the two faced nature of love. The infinite potential for happiness and also the boundless potential for misery. I’ve carried the burden of both heartbreaker and heartbroken. I commend this song for its brilliant extraction of the scorched terrain left in the wake of betrayal. This is the type of song that can be equally as pleasing live in a stadium, as it would be listened to alone, on repeat while screamin’ the lyrics in your car. Do yourself a favor and check out what MID is doing. You won’t regret it. Full length album drops April 8th!

Visit: www.thebandmid.com