The Midwest Beat has been around for close to 10 years. During that lengthy tenure—in which the band has amassed three full-length albums (and nine releases in all)—its sound has shifted, augmented, and developed considerably. The Midwest Beat’s 10th release and fourth LP, Free Of Being, sees the veteran Wisconsin music constant somehow still turning over new sonic stones, and expertly navigating through a variety of styles.
Recorded by Kyle Urban with analog equipment, the 14-song effort pulls influences from classic rock, power-pop, country, and even a subtle nod to vintage punk. With songs that range from jangly 32-second instrumental “UFO’s Appear #3” to seven-minute upbeat AM radio single-turned-psychedelic departure “Connection To The Dream Lodge,” and a heft of harmony-laced two-minute jaunts (highlighted by Matt Joyce-led “Vortex Hole” and bleary bar close anthem “High Life”), Free Of Being is far from a model of consistency. Rather, it’s a testament to The Midwest Beat’s versatility and its unwillingness to occupy one specific sound for too long. More than anything, though, it’s a joy to listen to. Before it’s released by Dusty Medical Records (US) and Wild Honey Records (Italy) September 23, you can hear Free Of Being in its entirety, only at Milwaukee Record.
The Midwest Beat will play its Milwaukee release show in support of Free Of Being Saturday, September 6 at Riverwest Public House with Tenement, Head On Electric, and Get Drunk DJs. The 21+ show begins at 9:30 p.m. and costs $6.