Midwinter
Richmond, Victoria, Australia | Established. Jan 01, 2007 | INDIE
Music
Press
"The debut independent release – Awaken from Melbourne based rockers Midwinter is truly something special. With the majority of the album written by Phil Osborn and Neil Marshall (vocals and lead guitar respectively) the lyrics pulse through your head surrounded by the steady rock beats. Midwinter are a sound that must be heard.
Although quite unique, if Midwinter had to be defined by a cross-between, it’d be The Butterfly Effect and Muse. Though not as heavy as The Butterfly Effect, the powerful lyrics are on par with the Brisbane lads and definitely hit that special spot of your heart or mind. The comparison to Muse is mostly due to Phil’s voice being unbelievably similar to Matt Bellamy’s with a slight but pleasant whine.
Picking favourites from beautiful albums, such as Awaken is always hard. Both Numb and Masks are the emotional choices, due to the tingling lyrical magnificence. These two stand-out tracks combined with the rest including New Reality and Running Empty make for a superb debut album."
- Ashychiko - www.fasterlouder.com.au
Discography
2009 - 'Awaken'
Photos
Bio
MIDWINTER are currently in the studio, deciphering the puzzle that is their second album. Their minds' collective cogs are whirring away, and it won't be long until the final pieces fall into place.
The new material is set to launch from a hefty foundation, following the noted success of their debut album Awaken in 2009. Produced by Pseudo Echo frontman Brian Canham, the self funded release quickly attained #1 in the CAN Top 10, a global distribution service for independent artists. The album peaked and remained at #2 in the Chaos.com Top 20 for several weeks, and the high profile media outlets CEO and founder Rob Appel later awarded it as #3 in his Top 10 Albums of 2009.
Mirroring the band's early influences, Awaken was conceptually written in the vein of alternative rock, but evolved to border more progressive, symphonic and space age sub-genres. The singles Running Empty and Masks highlight a talent for creating seemingly complex layers of sound through the effective placement of simplified pieces.
An almost excessive tour schedule saw MIDWINTER quickly surpass fifty live performances, concurrently becoming the first band to perform live in Second Life on behalf of Australias largest ISP, Telstra Bigpond. With shows supporting the likes of rock royalty Electric Mary and ARIA nominees Bluejuice, they ensured the enthusiastic love of their art was carried to the far reaches of their Victorian homeland, as well as its neighbouring states.
Speaking of neighbours
It didnt take long for housemates Phil Osborn (vocals, guitar) and Neil Marshall (guitars, synths) to be alerted to the presence of a new neighbour. The initial announcement and subsequent slamming of drum sticks against electronic skins resonated like gun fire. The quaint apartment complex was treated to this ritualistic performance every evening at 6pm.
The relentless love-hate relationship demonstrated by Jarrod Kris for his instrument was apparent, prompting a scheme by his neighbours to lure the rhythmic counterpart into a combined musical interest. Materials were sparse and time was of the essence - a single sticky note and half chewed pen were the only tools required for the ingenious plan to be executed: a sign on the front door that appropriately conveyed their intent: Drummer wanted. Apply within.'
Sticky notes aside, the Australian trio are currently nurturing a mutual curiosity in the use of electronic musical elements. With their studio now host to some intriguing new sonic gadgetry, expect to hear a richer variety of edge pieces on their forthcoming studio release.
Band Members
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