Longtime bandmates Nathan Ehrenfeld and Mat Baker always pushed each other into uncomfortable spaces. This of course led to constant tension, breakups, reformations, etc. After a long hiatus, the pair reconnected and looked to embrace their differences.
Midnights was born, and like its name, a lot of those late-night moments gave inspiration for the songs on their debut release, ‘Everything Will Be Alright’. Fusing the songwriting roots of their band Agnes Gooch with fresh influences and the refined touch of NYC producer Jason Cummings, the album is a collection of simple, heartfelt ideas elevated into layered sonic journeys. Lyrically, recurring themes of grounding oneself and navigating life’s fluctuations weave through the record, often delivered in an intimate, conversational style.
The first glimpse of the album comes with the ethereal and transcendent lead single, ‘Afterthoughts’. Conceived during one of Nathan’s late-night returns from NYCs East Village to LA, the track began as a dreamlike soundscape of the colors, energy, and the grit of the streets. With Jason shaping the arrangement and Mat crafting the evocative melody and lyrics, ‘Afterthoughts’ emerged as a cautionary tale about avoiding the mental spirals that can follow intense experiences.
Musically, the track draws from the shimmering electronica of M83 and the emotive, atmospheric pull of Radiohead, forming Midnights’ own rich brand of indie electronic pop. Lush strings, hypnotic drones, and layered textures capture the feeling of wandering city streets after dark; saturated and cinematic, yet tinged with quiet introspection.
They share “Afterthoughts is a nighttime trip through a lit city street. Saturated and colorful. A sonic warm bath with a story that cautions on not getting caught up in how the afterthoughts of intense moments can spin you out of control.” ‘Afterthoughts’ is the sound of two artists arriving fully in their element. This song distills the restless energy of its inspirations into moments of stillness, beauty, and connection. It’s the perfect introduction to Midnights’ immersive world, offering just a taste of what’s to come when ‘Everything Will Be Alright’ arrives later this year.
