Midland

On the Rocks (Big Machine)

A generation of hipsters raised on Randy Travis and George Strait are finally leading country music’s pendulum swing back to a neo-traditional sound. Enter Midland, a trio of “got-here-as-fast-as-we-could” Texas transplants from the West Coast dishing a debut LP that swigs more Eighties influence than Red Dirt. The Dripping Springs outfit rumbles guitars into classic country rhythms, harmonies lifting “Make a Little” while “Drinkin’ Problem” sips barstool quips with deep twang. Clever ballads “Nothin’ New Under the Neon” and “Check Cashin’ Country” suggest Midland knows exactly the well they’re tapping, but few new artists have done it this convincingly. (12:30pm, Tito’s stage)

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This article appears in October 13 • 2017.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.