Review: Mike Mattison and Trash Magic Deliver Unique Sound with ‘Turn A Midnight Corner’

s to raise the question of whether they still possess the same skills they once had, yet the chorus alternates between “get it back” and “get you back,” suggesting a desire for retribution.

Some songs aim to update old tunes from the ’30s, while others focus on the challenges faced by the duo. The track “And I’m Gone” speeds along as the protagonist rushes to get away. “When I Was Loaded” slows things down to a lazy blues shuffle, with Mattison’s vocals layered to convey an intoxicated feeling. The guitarists engage in playful riff exchanges that add color to the repetitive chorus.

“Traveler” carries a hint of country influence as Mattison criticizes a nomadic lifestyle. Contrary to its title, “Homesick Lullaby” maintains a steady pace propelled by Greenwell’s drumming. Highlight track “Be Like a Train” exudes a loose, relentless vibe similar to Townes Van Zandt’s “White Freightliner Blues,” featuring searing, bluesy guitar lines. “Lookee Here” channels raw garage rock energy, while “I Can’t Stand” maintains an energetic tempo enriched by fiery guitar solos over Greenwell’s dynamic drumming.

The album reaches its peak with the final two tracks. The lively “Sore Losers Own This Town” takes its name from graffiti in a Minneapolis dive bar bathroom, and the album closes with the acoustic ballad “Wait for Lola,” offering a more laid-back feel.

“Turn a Midnight Corner” is brimming with powerful grooves and raw energy. Although the underlying narrative may be challenging to grasp, the songs stand strong on their own. To fully comprehend the story, listeners may need to await the release of Mattison’s novella. In the meantime, this album serves as a captivating source of energetic blues music that will provide a much-needed boost of vitality whenever needed.