Auld Lang Syne
Midnight Folly
Viper Bite Records
9/10
Oh how rare it really is for an album to come along that is as enthralling and immersive as the debut LP Midnight Folly by the New York country rock quintet Auld Lang Syne. Right from the start of track one, “Long Ago” you are immediately consumed by the intensity and honest emotion of the music gushing out of your speakers. Lead singer Timothy Dick’s vocals are ominous, beautiful, dark, and have a certain sense of purity in them. One can almost feel the dark memories and pain Dick channels in tracks like “Why We Cry” and “Greasy Horse,” and of course the music provides the perfect background to truly envision exactly what the band is trying to portray. Also, I’ve never heard better harmonica placement in any other album period.
The New York quintet without a doubt took the time to carefully craft each and every little nuance in this album. Every cymbal crash, every harmonica lick, every build up and decline all happen for a reason, and it all comes together to create perfect imagery . It is almost as if Auld Lang Syne is painting a portrait with each brush stroke replaced by a guitar chord or vocal harmony. Nothing ever seems out of place in this album. Half way through Midnight Folly is my personal favorite track “My First Soul” is an eight minute epic ballade that slowly but surely builds up into a terrific crescendo that keeps you wanting; no, needing more like the most rewarding drug money can buy! For a mere $12 price tag Midnight Folly is a must have by everyone and anyone looking for something new. And I personally have found a new band to add to my list of favorites.
-Austin Love