Midwest Skies - Pop Punk, Powerpop, Rock - Grand Rapids, MI
The restrictiveness of the common pop punk approach, loved by some, dismissed by many, can often sink a band into a stillborn cage of purgatory long before any actual powerchords crunch their way into an audience’s headphones. Of course, I’m as indebted to my influences as any musician should be, but there comes a point when only so much of your sleeve can bear those nostalgic homages before you become a thin shell of yourself—a derivative, cheaply manufactured off-brand, never to surpass or equal that which came before you. Midwest Skies, a Michigan pop punk outfit, while fully aware of their place in the AP.net music spectrum, grabs their musical forefathers’ work by the throat and runs with it, fearlessly. This is their music, too, you know, and they sure know how to make it their own.
“Wish You Were Here”, the band’s latest EP, offers five songs of pop punk celebration, where advancement is far less of a priority than actualizing the genre’s resilience. Right from the opening layered distortion of “Like Me, Like You”, any misgivings you may have about the style immediately evaporate, as Midwest Skies presents themselves as simply that: themselves. No gimmicks, no over-photoshopped images, just fun, upbeat, and catchy songs played remarkably well.
The constant vocal harmonies, fist-pumping riffs, and diverse drumming from Josh Jones (the second verse change to the fast typewriter beat, especially), make the opening track the perfect amuse-bouche for what’s to come. The structuring in “It Isn’t Perfect”, with the well-executed pauses in the final chorus, in addition to the infectiously sanguine quality throughout, demonstrates nothing short of genre mastery, while the “Sticks and Stones”-era breakdown capping off the EP recalls the greats without feeling overly derivative. This is strong music, made by fans of the genre, that can be enjoyed by all.
Universal pop punk certainly seems rather oxymoronic, but Midwest Skies has a knack for celebrating their favorite music in such a way that’s far more appealing than imitative. Their music is meant more for emotion and community than hype. Far too many bands these days focus on the image, and Midwest Skies embodies the paradigm for the right way to play: do what you love, and be yourself when doing it.
Check Out The Official Music Video For "Like Me, Like You":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qKy4AdV2gM
Official Website:
http://www.midwestskiesrock.com
Support on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/midwestskies
By: Max Puhala
“Wish You Were Here”, the band’s latest EP, offers five songs of pop punk celebration, where advancement is far less of a priority than actualizing the genre’s resilience. Right from the opening layered distortion of “Like Me, Like You”, any misgivings you may have about the style immediately evaporate, as Midwest Skies presents themselves as simply that: themselves. No gimmicks, no over-photoshopped images, just fun, upbeat, and catchy songs played remarkably well.
The constant vocal harmonies, fist-pumping riffs, and diverse drumming from Josh Jones (the second verse change to the fast typewriter beat, especially), make the opening track the perfect amuse-bouche for what’s to come. The structuring in “It Isn’t Perfect”, with the well-executed pauses in the final chorus, in addition to the infectiously sanguine quality throughout, demonstrates nothing short of genre mastery, while the “Sticks and Stones”-era breakdown capping off the EP recalls the greats without feeling overly derivative. This is strong music, made by fans of the genre, that can be enjoyed by all.
Universal pop punk certainly seems rather oxymoronic, but Midwest Skies has a knack for celebrating their favorite music in such a way that’s far more appealing than imitative. Their music is meant more for emotion and community than hype. Far too many bands these days focus on the image, and Midwest Skies embodies the paradigm for the right way to play: do what you love, and be yourself when doing it.
Check Out The Official Music Video For "Like Me, Like You":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qKy4AdV2gM
Official Website:
http://www.midwestskiesrock.com
Support on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/midwestskies
By: Max Puhala