On the Rocks

by Midland

Overview

About halfway through their eponymous 2017 debut, Midland sing that their music isn't "Check Cashin' Country," a contention that might not quite square with the trio signing to Big Machine, one of the biggest labels in Nashville in the 2010s. Nevertheless, there's a grain of truth in that sentiment, as the group's debut On the Rocks is proudly out of step with the sounds of commercial country in 2017, containing nary a trace of electronics or hip-hop. Unlike other country throwbacks, Midland don't revive hardfloor honky tonk. They're bringing back the mellow, easy sounds of '80s country, sounding like a cross between Alabama, George Strait, and middle-aged Merle Haggard. On the Rocks also has a heavy dose of Dwight Yoakam -- he can be heard on the sly mariachi underpinnings of "At Least You Cried," and on the lean boogie of "This Old Heart" -- and that's the key to the group's success. Midland picked up on how Yoakam's magpie tendencies were strengthened by strong songcraft, and that lesson is evident throughout On the Rocks. With the assistance of producer Shane McAnally, the three members construct sturdy songs with a shimmering surface to match. Occasionally, the group seem to be winking at the past -- "Electric Rodeo" is a de facto tribute to "Rhinestone Cowboy"-era Glen Campbell -- but On the Rocks is anything but ironic. It's a warm, rich, and detailed love letter to a smooth style of country music that's fallen out of fashion. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	10/27/2017
Label:	Big Machine Records
UPC:	0843930032709

Tracks

1. Lonely for You Only
2. Make a Little
3. Drinkin¿¿¿ Problem
4. At Least You Cried
5. Burn Out
6. Out of Sight
7. More Than a Fever
8. Check Cashin¿¿¿ Country
9. Nothin¿¿¿ New Under the Neon
10. This Old Heart
11. Altitude Adjustment
12. Electric Rodeo
13. Somewhere on the Wind

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Midland   Primary Artist
Paul Franklin   Soloist,Guitar (Steel)
Danny Rader   Mandolin,Guitar (Acoustic)
Ian Fitchuk   Piano
David Huff   Percussion,Tambourine
Vinnie Ciesielski   Trumpet
Dann Huff   Banjo,Guitar,Soloist,Mandolin,Guitar (String),Organ (Hammond),Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric),Gut String Guitar,Guitar (12 String)
Dan Dugmore   Guitar (Steel)
Gordon Mote   Piano
Rob McNelley   Guitar (Electric)
Michael Raphael   Harp,Harmonica
Derek Wells   Soloist,Guitar (Baritone),Guitar (Electric),Guitar (12 String Electric)
Greg Marrow   Drums,Percussion
Charlie Judge   Accordion,Keyboards
Ilya Toshinskiy   Guitar (Acoustic)
Cameron Duddy   Bass,Vocals (Background)
Jess Carson   Guitar (Acoustic),Vocals (Background)

Technical Credits

Shane McAnally   Composer,Producer
David Huff   Digital Editing
David Lee Murphy   Composer
Justin Niebank   Mixing,Engineer
Rhett Akins   Composer
Mike Griffith   Production Coordination
Jonathan Singleton   Composer,Composer
Dann Huff   Producer
Andrew Mendelson   Mastering
Steve Marcantonio   Engineer
Josh Osborne   Composer,Producer
Rodney Clawson   Composer
Seth Morton   Engineer
Janice Soled   Production Coordination
Sandi Spika Borchetta   Graphic Design
Sean Neff   Digital Editing
Ryan Gore   Engineer
Luke Laird   Composer
Becky Reiser   Graphic Design
Harper Smith   Photography
Cameron Duddy   Composer,Art Direction
Chris Small   Digital Editing
Allison Jones   A&R
Laurel Kittleson   Production Coordination
Brianna Steinitz   Production Coordination
Mark Wystrach   Composer
Jess Carson   Composer
Midland   Composer
Becca Walls   Interviewer