From Powerplay Issue 7 Selby, UK by Ian Guy Lockhead October/November 1998 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Midway Pool Hall Sessions Midway Music Inc "Highly Recommended" Just like a breath of fresh air, the music of Midway came into my life. It made an instant hit. Trying to tie down their sound with references that other people might understand took longer. I have no doubt that there are other bands out there that have a very similar mode to Midway, but I cannot name them. Too much time spent listening to extreme noise might be my problem. Instead, the terms I found myself using seemd to have slightly negative connotations, none of which I meant. I do not think I would be lying if I said that much of this EP has clear simple lines. Nothing is very complex, and the whole thing has a good natural feel. The light breezy arrangements like 'Get out of my way' and 'Anne Marie' are captivating. The guitars, bass and drums, aided by the odd burst from a harmonica do nothing ground breaking, but do it so well that they are very stylish and easy on the ear. The vocals are shared by three permanent members of the band and often harmonize to good effect. The overall feel is of mainstream rock, that at times can lead towards pop, melodic punk, and southern boogie. 'Closer to twenty five' has a touch of the REM's, but I am not sure if it is the vocals that have just fooled my ears. On a similar laid back note, 'Stay with me' brings to mind gentle summer nights. It seems like a good seduction song, but it still has to be road tested, if you get my drift. The title of this mini disc reflects that it comes from somewhere in Virginia, USA, not from a misspent youth. Mind you, there is a flavour to this that does have the ring of eight ball pool games about it. The friendly face of 90's rock and roll. Very good stuff.