"Creeping Fear, Raging Monsters": MIDNIGHT FEATURE Deliver Ghoulish Slice Of DIY Punk
- Riley Edmett
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 7
If there's something almost guaranteed to pique my interest, it's anything horror related. Hammer? Zombies? 80s slashers? I'll take it all. And that's exactly what jumped out to me with Birmingham punk outfit MIDNIGHT FEATURE, who combine the horror aesthetic with staple DIY punk energy. The two have often gone hand in hand, and here is no different.
With their latest EP "Creeping Fear, Raging Monsters - Volume 1", the band build on their sound and image, paying homage to their influences but also making their own case.
A short drum fill leads into an upbeat punk affair, and then the EP takes off with opening track "Vampires and Other Creatures". It took me a few listens to properly gel with it, unlike the rest of the tracks on show, but this is a great introduction to what the band has to offer.
From here, it's non-stop groove and fun energy. "Night of the Demon" opens with a short Hammer horror-esque soundbite, really driving home the influences. The instrumentation is catchy, with the lead guitar work adding a nice flair.
The groove continues with "Saturday Night Fever Dream", really complementing the vocals and instrumentation. The ending of the track is a particular highlight, with backing vocals adding shouts that you can imagine a venue crowd joining in with.
A lyrical standout is next track "Damned If You Do (Dhamered If You Don't)". It's about as subtle as a brick, but that's part of the fun. This is a fine example of punk and horror working together brilliantly.
The bridge section is the most musically different part of the EP - a short, doo-wop section bookended with radio static. It feels intentionally jarring, adding to the charm of the EP. It isn't long before the track returns to the main riff, bringing you back in and possessing you to tap your foot along.
Closing track "Rite Here" is the only previously released track, and starts off with heaps of groove and a riff that reminds me of Judas Priest's "Breaking the Law".
There's also what sounds like a cowbell, which is an immediate thumbs up from me.
This is a love letter to the era of classic horror, blended with punk technicalities and infectious groove. A prime example of music made for a live audience.
And, as the title suggests, this is merely "Volume 1". Bare with me whilst I browse Shudder in anticipation of Volume 2.
"Creeping Fear, Raging Monsters" is out NOW on streaming
Comments