Reviews
October 22, 2009
Midstokke :: It’s Your Problem Now!!
Midstokke Music
By The Atomic Chaser
ALL ACCESS MAGAZINE
Midstokke really is a very unique rock band and although they do revive that 70’s hard rock sound it’s really and truly something to behold. To me “It’s Your Problem Now!!” the sophomore release by the band, shows the band evolving on a musical level. Their debut album, “Private Stokke” was crunchier and made one hell of an impression on me. The new album, I believe, has a much stronger direction and more unique style. Midstokke is fueled and powered by, Steven Douglas on vocals, Ted Norris on guitars, Kenny Van Dyke on guitars, Fraser Midstokke on bass and Cory Jones on drums. Together, this band of talented musicians served up rock music that will get your blood pumping in no time flat. As is evident from the opening balls to the wall track, “Trainwreck” and without skipping a beat, the groove laden monster, “Throttle” grabs you by the throat. From there on out, is an adrenaline ride that is guaranteed to get your rocks off. There are no fillers here; all seven tracks are rock solid. All in all, this is a terrific rock album, one of the best to come out in 2009. Unlike the bands that receive the must play on MTV and radio, Midstokke are great musicians who care about putting out innovative and enjoyable material. If you are a fan of Midstokke already or just a fan of rock music, who is tired of what’s being put out by the music industry today and yearns for the days when there was real rock everywhere, then this is definitely an album you should pick up. You most definitely will not regret it. Midstokke is the real deal, the proof is in their music.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
__________________________
Disc you may have missed: Midstokke’s Private Stokke
Released in September of 2005 Seattle’s own Midstokke introduced themselves with their first studio album Private Stokke. Described on CD Baby as “Guitar driven, soulful, powerful and kick-ass music in the vein of Aerosmith, Zep, ZZ top and Hendrix” the music has the energy and drive inherent in any great rock band, and guitar work that makes the Hendrix comparison forgivable.
Front man Steven Douglas’s vocals are intense and refreshingly clear, a look through a couple of the band’s live videos (see the video for “Riot” below) show a man possessed, the beat obviously flows through his veins. Watch out for the harmonica, and thank the rock solid rhythm section for fusing the elements into a distinct and unmistakable sound.
The album with a preview of all tracks is available on CD Baby. If you like what you hear, and you will, head over to The Jet Bar in Mill Creek for the release party of the band’s newest album It’s Your Problem Now June 12, 9:00 pm. $6 cover. With hints of a possible Jagermeister girl appearance and props on hand thanks to Cycle Barn and Harley Davidson of Lynnwood, it’s sure to be one hell of a party.
