Album Review: Beyond the Midwest – The Comeback
The Comeback is the debut album from rising artist Beyond the Midwest which we were lucky to receive for review before the actual release.
Beyond the Midwest
This is my first album, which was a difficult decision to release as, because it would sacrifice the art I have made for each track. However as time went on trying to really push myself to elaborate, compose, and improve the experience of each track it built up into an album. There was no goal as this was made naturally over a year trying to improve my ability to use what I have at my disposal to captivate listeners and translate feelings Ive had on these tracks. Yet I am proud to say that it starts with a topic that has destroyed me in my everyday life and mental state, and as the Album progresses you hear progress, setbacks, reflection, triumph, and ending that I feel is appropriate to see if listeners would like more. I hope these tracks can help them striving to move forward, and to take life day by day until they can let go of the shattered pieces of their self.
The album opens in a really strong way, taking no prisoners. The insanely catchy Sleepless Nights wraps the bitter pill of talking about depression and suicidal thoughts in the form of a pop/emo-rap banger that sounds like a crossover between Post Malone and Lil Peep.
Outside keeps showcasing Beyond The Midwest's melodic talent, now with the aid of dramatic strings and ghostly vocal chops.
Outside keeps showcasing Beyond The Midwest's melodic talent, now with the aid of dramatic strings and ghostly vocal chops.
Beyond the Midwest
Outside, how'd I get this far?
Only 24, covered in scars.
Only 24, covered in scars.
Tamagotchi Friends doesn't lower the bar. The beat is as bouncy, the vocals are as raw and painful and the lyrics might just tear your heart into pieces. It's interesting how the production makes use of noises and synth tones that make you think of real Tamagotchi sound chips and phone beeps, illustrating the lyrics: "I need more than a Facetime friend".
Letter to Myself is notable for the artist's vocal delivery. It's even more vulnerable than on the other songs (which is hard to imagine, but it's true). The "Ayo" vocal calls sound almost tribal, turning the song even more into something close to a prayer or ritual.
Rage of War, with its marching drums and war cries in the background, continues the "tribal" aesthetics. It's less melodic and more guttural, providing the artist with a different way to express painful emotions.
Maybe Someday expands on the previous track's sound discoveries, adding a bit of updated classic rap vibe with a catchy piano riff and no less catchy hooks that bring to mind 50cent.
Dust 2 Trust brings back the melodic side of Beyond the Midwest. The artist teaches us how to believe in ourselves – if one could rise from the hell described on previous songs, then we surely can do anything we put our minds up to.
Letter to Myself is notable for the artist's vocal delivery. It's even more vulnerable than on the other songs (which is hard to imagine, but it's true). The "Ayo" vocal calls sound almost tribal, turning the song even more into something close to a prayer or ritual.
Rage of War, with its marching drums and war cries in the background, continues the "tribal" aesthetics. It's less melodic and more guttural, providing the artist with a different way to express painful emotions.
Maybe Someday expands on the previous track's sound discoveries, adding a bit of updated classic rap vibe with a catchy piano riff and no less catchy hooks that bring to mind 50cent.
Dust 2 Trust brings back the melodic side of Beyond the Midwest. The artist teaches us how to believe in ourselves – if one could rise from the hell described on previous songs, then we surely can do anything we put our minds up to.
Beyond the Midwest
Futures bright, I'm swell
I've been workin' hard as hell
I would have to sell
Just so I could eat well
I've been workin' hard as hell
I would have to sell
Just so I could eat well
The album closes with See Mee, a less uptempo number that creates some air and some space to look back on things:
Beyond the Midwest
Please just take a step back can you see me
Can you see this means more than life deeply
Oh please just take a step back can you see me
How do I say this sugar coated sweetly
Can you see this means more than life deeply
Oh please just take a step back can you see me
How do I say this sugar coated sweetly
The song leaves us with the light of hope – the best answer to all questions and troubles, to all the darkness and mistakes that fed this album. The Comeback is a work of pure vulnerability and sincerity that open the doors to real strength. And what's no less important, it's as catchy as some of the most successful pop songs! Go and listen to the insanely talented Beyond the Midwest before he grows million-dollar-huge. And you can trust me on this one, I was one the first few followers of Lil Peep, when he started uploading his tracks on Soundcloud.