Midnight Passenger

Punk rock has been with us since the mid-‘70s, and thousands—if not millions—of bands have toyed with its buzzsaw blueprint. Still, when it’s done right—with a vocalist who can command and a rhythm section that sits in the pocket—it’s among the most satisfying formulas ever conceived. The first album by Memphis’ Ex-Cult established them as a top-notch group. Their follow-up, Midnight Passenger, proves that wasn’t a fluke. The band had previously worked with Ty Segall and reflected his love for raw power. However, Doug Easley (another experienced Memphis producer known for his way around vintage equipment) here gives the band a slightly more focused sound that’s reflected in the tightness of “Shattered Circle,” “Ties You Up,” and “Flickering Eyes.” Though there are obvious garage-punk and psychedelic influences in the guitar work of J.B. Horrell and Alex McIntyre, singer Chris Shaw offers a purebred punk howl. Natalie Hoffmann’s bass and Michael Peery’s drums keep the pulse fast and faster throughout this excellent ten-song album.