Midland

0 Shares

Midland live in Tucson

AVA Amphitheatre, Tucson, Ariz., USA, October 19, 2019

Review and photos by Mary Andrews

Midland returned to Tucson just one day short of their previous headlining appearance one year ago. They sold out the 5,000 seat venue then and they did it again this year.

Lead singer Mark Wysrach made it very clear that even though Austin, Texas is their home, he has not forgotten that he is from Tucson. He mentioned that he is grateful to Tucson local artists like Kevin Pakulis who taught him his craft of songwriting and performance. The native Tucsonan always welcomes the opportunity to return to his old stomping grounds to reunite with old friends and family. Tucson also welcomes the opportunity to see one of its favorite alt-country bands in concert.

The other two members of Midland are Cameron Duddy on bass and Jess Carson on guitar. The band started playing every bar and truck stop around the parameter of Austin. After playing at a multitude of dive bars, they managed to land opening gigs for folks like Kenny Chesney, Little Big Town, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Thomas Rhett. Whether they play in an arena setting or a dive bar, the band gives it everything they’ve got to deliver a top-notch show.

The band is in the throws of their tour promoting their second album of new original tunes, Let It Roll. It’s tough to follow up the huge success of their debut album, On the Rocks, but they have managed to pull it off with their hit single “Mr. Lonely.”

The band had the same great harmonies and swagger that they are known to possess. What is the difference between last year’s show and this year? Last year, their set had as many cover songs as original tunes. The set was all original songs now that they have two albums of original material. Fan favorite’s included “Drinkin’ Problem,” “” Burn Out,” and “Make a Little.” The show consisted predominantly of songs from the new album. “Mr. Lonely” garnered the biggest fan reaction. There were plenty of drinking songs to go around. Also gone this year was the glam element of the rhinestoned, embroidered suits. No one seemed to miss that.

Mi-show, Wysrach took the opportunity to sing ‘Happy Birthday” to his touring guitarist, Luke Cutchen Beatles style.

Midland’s shows are known for their ramped-up energy and fantastic harmonies. This show was no exception. It was a dance party from the beginning. Their harmonies were exemplified on the songs “Fast Hearts and Slow Towns” and “Cheatin’ Songs.”

Midland once again proved that they can be able to scale up their performance and play both arenas and barrooms without losing intimacy with the fans.