Album Review: Midland Railway – Midland Railway (Self Released)

British-Greek melodic alternative rockers Midland Railway will release their self-titled album on February 14th, 2025.

With their tongues jammed in their cheeks and with a focus on bouncy catchiness, Midland Railway are a lovable bunch. Everything great about them is showcased across the length and breadth of this album, and it starts off in grin inducing fashion with She Loves Ted Bundy. Where the pop-rock chorus will have most sold on its enjoyability. It’s stupidly catchy.

Get to used to thinking that though as this album doesn’t put a foot wrong as far as that aspect of Midland Railway’s sound is concerned. No further proof needed than the swaying rock sound of Bedroom Analysis that shows off their Weezer influences, and the livelier A Song for Hannah-Beth, with its rockabilly vibes. Two more unique flavours of the Midland Railway taste experience.

Not designed to challenge, but designed to be fun and memorable, the excitement continues with aplomb. First, there’s The Pokémon Adventure and its foot-tapping instrumental rhythm. Then there is Cities of Gold and its impressive, harmonised vocals. Before General Debility takes us past the halfway point in moodier style. Outstanding stuff.

If you’re not sold at this stage, you’re not likely to be, come the end. Which is a shame, as even though their approach comes from a simple mindset, their music is layered, and they consistently surprise with their approach to melody. It’s why One Day, Involuntary Counsellor, and Anna in Wonderland also leave such positive impressions. Especially the latter which has some ‘trippy’ touches.

How do you wrap up an album like this? By keeping it minimal, humorous, and inherently likeable. That’s An Attempt to Write a Song and this album as a whole.

It’s a short listen, but with that comes an ‘all killer, no filler’ feeling. Midland Railway have tried to deliver the very best of themselves and so much of it sticks in the mind, for all manner of reasons. Least of all, just how ruddy infectious each and every track is.

Midland Railway – Midland Railway Track Listing:

1. She Loves Ted Bundy
2. Bedroom Analysis
3. A Song for Hannah-Beth
4. The Pokémon Adventure
5. Cities of Gold
6. General Debility
7. One Day
8. Involuntary Counsellor
9. Anna in Wonderland
10. An Attempt to Write a Song

Links

LinkTree | Spotify