Review by Andy Houghton for MPM
‘Itch You Can’t Scratch’ is the third full-length studio album from Midnite City. If you’re familiar with either of their first two offerings – their self-titled debut album in 2017, or ‘There Goes The Neighbourhood’ a year later – then you’ll know what to expect: classic 80s-style hair metal that’s loud, brash and ready to party.
The band comprises Rob Wylde (vocals), Miles Meakins (guitar), Shawn Charvette (keyboards), Josh ‘Tabbie’ Williams (bass) and Pete Newdeck (drums). Wylde is perhaps best known as the front man for glam rockers Tigertailz, while Newdeck is known for his work with Vega, Eden’s Curse and Grim Reaper.
Midnite City have steadily built their reputation over the last few years, headlining two UK tours, playing gigs as far afield as Australia and Japan, and winning acclaim for their sophomore album (rated in the top five melodic rock albums of the year by Classic Rock magazine).
As for the new album, it does what it says on the tin. ‘Crawlin’ In The Dirt’ kicks the album off with a fast tempo feelgood track with a driving bassline and soaring vocals. ‘Fire Inside’ takes the pace down a notch while channelling pretty much every melodic rock song from the 80s, while ‘Blame It On Your Lovin’’ definitely does not need any more cowbell.
The danger with hair rock is that it can start to sound formulaic, and by the time we reach mid-album a sensation of déjà vu starts to kick in.
Thankfully, at this point ‘They Only Come Out At Night’ arrives to save the day, with an enjoyable slice of vampire rock (Is there such a thing? Well, there should be) which allows the band some stylistic latitude and provides the album with some welcome variety.
‘Itch You Can’t Scratch’ is a solid third album from Midnite City, an experienced band who reliably deliver on what they do best.
If you’re a fan of hair metal then you’ll like this a lot, and if you’re not, well you’re probably not going to be converted. But if it’s a good time you’re after combined with a burst of nostalgia, then look no further.
Tracklisting:
- Crawlin’ In The Dirt
- Atomic
- Fire Inside
- Darkest Before The Dawn
- I Don’t Need Another Heartache
- Blame It On Your Lovin’
- They Only Come Out At Night
- Chance Of A Lifetime
- If It’s Over
- Fall To Pieces
Itch You Can’t Scratch’ is released on May 28th, 2021, via Roulette Media.
Website: https://midnitecity.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midnitecityuk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/midnitecityuk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midnitecityofficial/
