Midcentury is an indie rock band who identifies as new to the Austin music scene. The band consists of five members including Bruce Allen Smith Jr. (vocals, guitar), Paul Murray (guitar, keys, vocals), Eric Harrison (bass, vocals), Alex Chod (keys, vocals), Butch Wade (drums). However, four of its members are veterans of Austin yacht rock band, Wonderbitch, as well as others.
Their new album ‘Modern Nostalgia’ is described as having inspiration from the 80’s and artists such as David Bowie, Tears for Fears and others, and it shows in the album’s opening track “Fallen”. On Saturday Feb. 17 Midcentury celebrated the release of their album at local East downtown club, Swan Dive. Local band Tortuga Shades, warmed up the crowd before welcoming Midcentury to the stage. Midcentury bassist and vocalist Eric Harrison has worked with Tortuga Shades in the past, such as on their EP, “Pretty One”.
Audience members pumped their fists and cheered as the band members began sound check before their opening number, “Worlds Apart”. After singing a more somber note in the opener, the lights changed from a dark red, to a bright yellow later in the show as the starting melody to “Fallen” rang through the venue. The song was greeted with cheers and dancing from the audience, and band members. In this track, the 80’s inspiration rings loud and clear in the upbeat guitar melody heard throughout.
Fourth in the lineup, they performed their first single off of the album, “Warrior” which received recognition from local NPR radio station KUTX as “Song of the Day” on Nov. 2 leading up to its Feb. 17 release.
By the tail end of the show, Swan Dive was filled with concert goers to the back of the venue, with fans and curious onlookers still walking in with enthusiasm. Midcentury’s second album debut party was a night full of colored lights, dancing audience members and the support of Eric Harrison’s mother who was also in attendance, selling band merchandise. Harrison gave her a special recognition between sets during the show. Michael Parallax and Oh My Love also took the stage to close out the night.
“Modern Nostalgia” is now available on Spotify. Learn more about the Midcentury by visiting their website: http://www.midcenturyband.com/