Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
By Midnight Alibi, Independent/Midnight Alibi 2021.
Midnight Alibi are a classic Aussie rock band who formed in 2012 in the border towns of Albury and Wodonga.
They have developed a strong following over the years and shared the stage with some of Australia’s greatest bands such as Rose Tattoo, AC/DC, The Screaming Jets, The Choir Boys, Uncanny Xmen and Thirsty Merc, plus many more.
They’ve released two EPs, Love Yourself Sick andPreach It, and a well-received album, Just Like You Want It (2017), and a number of their singles have charted in the Top 40 particularly Down The River (2016) andEgo Tripper and Thief from their Just Like You want It album.
In 2019 they released a limited edition two track vinyl, Loveshine, with a B-Side Hard One, which earned them a number two and number four placing on the Triple J Unearthed Chart, so they have had some national success.
It is internationally however that they have begun to make their mark.
In 2019 they toured the USA playing some of the county’s most famous venues, including Whiskey a Go Go, The Rainbow Bar in West Hollywood, and The Viper Room.
The audience response meant that they were immediately invited back and a follow-up tour was planned; then COVID hit.
With the tour plans on hold the band hit the studio and Violent Game is the first single released from their upcoming album Higher Power, which is available for pre-order via their website.
Violent Game is Aussie pub rock at its best, hard guitar-driven rock built over a solid rhythm section.
It’s the stuff that many of us grew up with when the above-mentioned bands along with The Angels, Chisel, Sunny Boys, Oils etc packed the local venues with loud, sweat-soaked and totally intoxicating music.
This is Midnight Alibi’s heritage and they are keeping the dream alive.
If Violent Game is anything to go by the album should be a cracker.
