The Mid-State Wire

The Mid-State Wire crammed the six of themselves and a full-on organ into that little space next. I’ve said before how sometimes expectation can taint, or at least influence one’s reaction to a show, and the slate was definitely clean for this one. I knew nothing about this band, and what an absolutely pleasant surprise I had in store. I feel like I just stumbled onto something kinda great. Am I gushing? Good. Anyway, if I describe the instrumentation, you might start to get an idea of the sound, or sounds: the aforementioned organ, acoustic guitar, a sort of jazzy electric guitar, bass, drums, mandolin, and an occasional harmonica. If you’re thinking alt-country, you’d be partly right, but with a bit of a darker twist. They make a sultry, smoky version of Americana that is equal parts folk and bluegrass, with some jazz and Route 66 tossed in. And when I say bluegrass, this isn’t the stuff you dosado too, but rather nod your head and imbibe. Their stuff reminded me of Palace Music-era Will Oldham; something both compelling and driven as well as sinister. Hell, I could be getting my songs confused here, but I think even their self proclaimed foot-stomper was about suicide. Seriously, check out their site. - Donewaiting.com