Kojak - “Midnight”
Canada-based Kojak have just released the gloriously retro indie rock gem “Midnight.” The whole track feels like a lost classic from the early 1970, with its great guitar layers and big sing-along choruses.
“Midnight” is held together by exquisite layers of electric guitar. The interplay between the rhythm and the lead is simply faultless. The rhythm provides a gritty but bright textural layer as it breezily thrashes out the chords. The lead guitar elaborates on this rhythm, fleshing out the melody further and weaving sweet retro licks in all the right places. It’s just good, old-fashioned unapologetic rock ’n’ roll.
Underneath, the bass sweetly establishes a constant rhythmic pulse. The drums lock down the track’s swaggering groove, heightening that irresistible sense of forward momentum. An extra pinch of vintage allure is also provided by an organ that pads the arrangement over the main sections.
As we hit the dynamic break, the band allows those vintage instrumental qualities to really come to the fore helping to build a sense of tension. This is satisfyingly released as the lead guitar propels us majestically into the crescendo. The vocals on “Midnight” perfectly encapsulate that soulful, carefree vibe. Full of expression and a hint of grit, the performance will have you singing along in no time at all.
Playfully, “Midnight” is about clinging on to the moment - or night, in this case - for as long as possible. It’s about those nights you just don’t want to end because you’re enjoying yourself too much or because you don’t want to see what the morning might bring. This is a fantastic indie rock anthem, all about the grooves, the textures, and the big bold choruses– truly stellar work.