Midland On The Rocks

Made up of singer Mark Wystrach, guitarist Jess Carson and bassist Cameron Duddy, Dripping Springs, TX trio Midland is the embodiment of '70s California country, all smooth Eagles harmonies and heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics. Their songs are intoxicating country sung with the twang of George Strait. And it's impossible to resist. Midland – named from a Dwight Yoakam song – excel in setting a mood, transporting the listener to another place and time. This is music made for wide-open skies, endless deserts and wondering where the road is going to take you next.

Their full-length debut, On The Rocks, features some of the most traditional-sounding country music to come out of Nashville in a decade. Lead single "Drinkin' Problem" evokes Gary Stewart – one of Midland's biggest inspirations, along with Merle Haggard. "Electric Rodeo," with its plaintive piano, sweeping strings and high-in-the-saddle chorus, is a prime example of the "picture" the band envisions creating. And the majestic "Nothin' New Under the Neon" sounds like vintage Eddie Rabbit.

Whether they intended it or not, Midland have filled a void in country music, and soon they can do likewise on country radio. Like their inspirations the Eagles, they are writing and recording songs with mass appeal. Midland's music is truly a sound decades in the making that's just right for today.