Midland // Roundhouse, London

Cowboys rustle up some serious swagger

★★★★☆ (4/5)

Image from: Big Machine Label Group

Promises of honky-tonk good times saw herds of eager fans make their way to the Roundhouse this Tuesday to see country stars Midland. Their goldmine of hits from the albums “On the Rocks” and “Let it Roll” undoubtedly helped establish the country music resurgence that has continued to gather steam. Their retro-country music served to set them apart and has spurred a revival of the style in artists such as Zach Top.

No strangers to the U.K. country scene, Midland had played London several times including the C2C festival. Yet still, the band was in awe of the sheer size and dedication of the crowds they play to across the pond as they kicked off their U.K. tour.

The band's entrance to the stage was accompanied by a drama-laden score which set the western vibes from the get-go. Starting with the self-assured “Mr Lonely” it was clear from the first note that Midland hadn’t missed a beat. They immediately proved why they continue to be one of the biggest names in country. Smooth vocals gelled with blistering guitar work and a driving rhythm section to deliver a barn-burning good time. Leaving no room for breath, the band rode on into a cover of “East Bound and Down” which has become their own. Strong vocal harmonies drove the chorus to new heights, leaving the audience stunned by the prowess displayed.

With the crowd firmly onside, Midland continued to deliver hit after hit. “Barely Blue”, the title track from their latest album, saw a more introspective and melancholic cut. While a version of the hit duet “I Wish You Would” saw the band’s keyboard player filling in for Mackenzie Carpenter.

Throughout, the band's presence was magnetic, demanding attention without being cocky. The members made tracks all across the stage, giving fans knowing nods for their favourite tracks and flinging guitar picks into the crowd.

Fans rejoiced as the band dusted off their groovy cover of the Brooks and Dunn classic “Boot Scootin' Boogie” to close out the set. Knees bopped, toes tapped and boots scooted as the crowd got into the line dancing spirit.

Leaving the stage to a chorus of cheers the lights briefly dimmed and the crowd could be heard chanting for more. Before long, the rhinestone-studded silhouettes strutted back onto the stage and tore into an encore of ferocious quality. Beer-soaked ode to lager “Longneck Way to Go” proved to be a shot of adrenaline for the crowd which propelled them through the rest of the show. “One more night, one more round” opened the modern classic “Drinkin’ Problem”. A song that already feels timeless, the lyrics were sung word for word by every person there. A highlight of the encore came from a rendition of the modern classic “Drinking Problem”, providing a moving moment of togetherness as the crowd hollered the chorus in an act of cathartic release.

The night was still young however, as deep cut “Fourteen Gears” ignited the crowd's shared passion for the band. And a rousing cover of Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” closed the encore with a delightful display of raw energy and muscular riffs.

Midland showed why they deserve their place at the modern country legends table. Their impeccable musicianship and captivating songwriting left the audience in a euphoric state of stetsons and denim.

REVIEW BY: SAM MCNAUGHTON