The debut album from Beyond the Midwest, The Comeback delivers an array of styles — from nocturnal pop lushness to ferocious hip-hop precision — within an inspiring overall message. Out on December 16th, the album encourages one to place trust in their own strengths and embrace experimentation in a creative context. Beyond the Midwest describes the release as “pretty much my journal,” — effectively capturing the highs and lows of the human experience and relatable pursuits of happiness. Eclectic vocal tones and consistently atmospheric pop productions meld with meaningful lyrical insight for a stirring impact within the album’s eight tracks.
The album’s production achieves an immersive quality despite a limited arsenal of equipment, noting utilization of a Blue Yeti microphone and makeshift percussive elements, like desk pounding with coins. Dynamic vocal performances complement gripping structural momentum for a riveting flow, starting with the emotive opener “Sleepless Nights.” Depicting late-night rollercoasters and wishing for the “nightmares of my past,” to end, the track compels within murky guitar distortion and laments of difficult days. The album begins artfully with depictions of personal struggle, and navigates tactfully to being a heartfelt offering to anyone seeking hope, creativity, and resilience in their own lives.
“Outside” arrives next with a soulful, laid-back vocal switch-up. “Never give up when life gets hard,” the perseverant lyrics emit, dazzling with a sharp production injecting elements of darkly impactful hip-hop in its percussion and twinkling keys. Thematic pushes of personal strength combine with atmospheric pop and nocturnal hip-hop elements for another memorable depiction of prevailing through difficult times. The introspective qualities continue into “Letter To Myself,” admitting a desire for help as one continues to seek positive sources of hope and solace. Twinkling piano and ghostly synths both intertwine seamlessly.
A confident vigor shows on “Maybe Someday,” where recollections of awakening and seeking betterment — rather than numbness — enthralls within a variety of subdued hip-hop beats. References to “hard times,” invigorate as the vocals escalate in tone. “I’m feeling great today,” they continue, emitting a charisma and “feeling God blessed,” within a hope to no longer feel depressed. “See Me” concludes the album in touching form, pleading to “take a step back,” and asking “can you see me?” as twangy guitars and piano conjoin. “Internal fights will lead to this sound,” the vocals proclaim, addressing the album’s thematic approach head-on — and masterfully encouraging standing tall through trials of reflection, struggle, progress, and eventual triumph.
