Photos Courtesy of Ryan Mitchell Photography

Midstates and the Choir of Ghost have this fantastic back story of whats, whos, hows and whys. But that’s not the point right now is it? I mean, when you go to see a band, it isn’t to hear some Behind the Story sing-a-long, is it? It’s for any and/or all of the following reasons:

1. Your bored and you dig their band name, plus it’s your favorite bar, so why not?
2. You promised your friend you’d show up
3. Your favorite mp3 blog won’t shut up about them and you really dug that one or two free songs from the blog
4. You’ve seen them before and dig their live show
5. You have a couple (if not all) of their albums and their shows are the highlight of your year

Obviously, I may have skipped some random, minor reasons, but the five reasons above are the top five reasons you’d check a band out. So how does this pertain to reviewing Midstates and the Choir of Ghosts? Patience. I’m getting there.

So, for whatever reason, you make it to the show. Empty stage, it’s always an empty stage at first. No matter how late you get there, it seems like the bands are running even later. You have half a mind to get up there and play your own set, except you remember you can’t sing and you can’t play – so you grab a drink.

Somewhere in between the first drink and the second shot you hear these notes that ring so perfectly through the air – the clash of reverb has almost physically swung you around, face towards the stage, ears allowing only music to enter – all other background noises blocked. The drums kick in and this bittersweet lush sonic of guitars takes over the room – mostly it takes over you.
You’ve all felt it, that first song of a great show. Instantaneously you know the rest of the show is just going to get better and everyone around you agrees by the smiles on their faces and glaze over their eyes. There are moments when friends are trying to make comments here and there but rather than have them repeat what you’re trying to ignore you smile and nod in hopes they don’t’ open their mouths until the last song is over.

Midstates and the Choir of Ghosts remind me what would have been had The Flaming Lips and Spiritualized gotten together, fornicated and produced a bastard child. They are reverb. They are distortion. They are poppy. They are catchy at times and other times jagged like a shiv.

And on stage… on stage is where it’s all happening. And with Midstates and the Choir of Ghosts this was the exact feeling and momentum that kept up throughout their set at the Bottom Lounge. Basically it’s two men making all this magic, Paul Heintz on guitar with Jose Rodriguez on drums. They joined on stage by the Ghosts. Who are the ghosts? I’m not sure, I’d like to think they are band members of the past. Long gone and out of existance in Midstates world. Perhaps they are past loves of the two boys, one nights stands, friends who have gone by the wayside. Whatever it is, they add the perfect element to the stage show.

Point, being, go check out Midstates and the Choir of Ghosts net time they hit up a stage near you.

Check out Midstates and the Choir of Ghosts here!

Check out some live videos below – warning: We took these with a point and shoot camera, please don’t blame the boys for my shaky hand!