The Midnight Callers – Red Letter Glow

Just a few weeks ago, JEM Records gave us a terrific John Lennon tribute. JEM has followed that up with another fine release, the debut album by The Midnight Callers. With Red Letter Glow the band gives us a pretty broad range of influences. Regardless of which stylistic hat they choose to wear, they look very good indeed.

The Midnight Callers can kick ass as demonstrated by the opening track, “41 Miles to Roscoe”. The obvious single and one of my favorite songs of 2020, it’s a real corker. The cascading guitar lines remind me just a little bit of Steve Jones. “Down On Luck” is another can’t miss, a little bit o’ glam that demands you turn the volume up to 11.

The Midnight Callers’ musicianship is extraordinary.

“Return the Favor” has a Buddy Holly vibe to it that makes it sound instantly familiar – and catchy. At it’s core “I Need You” sounds just a little like a composition that would have come out of a Brill Building session back in the 70’s. When I said that to my wife she said I was crazy. Maybe so. See what you think.

The guitars on “State of Mind” will remind you a little bit of The Byrds. We even get a little bit of yacht rock with “The Light Is On”. And with Kurt Reil (Gripweeds) having produced much of the album, it’s got a radio friendly feel.

The musicianship is extraordinary throughout the entirety of Red Letter Glow and the stylistic variety will keep you coming back for more. Get The Midnight Callers’ Red Letter Glow at Apple Music or Amazon.