'68 - Midnight (Review)

Josh Scogin hands down knows how to create heavy music. He's responsible for some of the better albums of the genre (see Norma Jean's Bless The Martyr album along with his previous band The Chariot's discography). Fans were a little dismayed when Scogin's long time band The Chariot announced they were disbanding after nearly a decade together and five albums. I kind of wondered if life had finally caused Scogin, who is now in his early thirties, to slow down. Well out of nowhere comes another chapter in his sonic assault. His new band '68 features ex-Becoming The Archetype drummer Michael McLelland. The band’s first release is a 7 inch titled Midnight. It is indeed heavy, but it also incorporates a lot of rock swagger and an almost blues style to some extent.

The exceptional heavy screams are still there but they have a heavy rock swagger to them. On the second track of the 7 inch you can hear Scogin sing some of his vocals. "Third Times A Charm" is a great song and it would be hard pressed for you not to believe it's a rock'n'roll revival featuring a far heavier version of something like The Black Keys or The White Stripes. In short Scogin doesn't sound like he's close to slowing down or running out of awesome ideas. In fact, he might just be getting started.

The two songs featured still have a lot of the recording and production style you've come to expect from his work with The Chariot. It's a little chaotic at times, the feedback is present, and it's a little grungy with a twist of rock and punk. The guitars are catchy. The rawness of the songs, mixed with the catchiness, and the overall vibe makes for a really awesome listen. 

I can't wait to hear a full length from this group. If Scogin can come up with an album of songs as good as these he might have one of the best albums of his career. It could also be an album that could be easier to find more mass appeal outside of the hardcore scene. If you liked The Chariot it shouldn't be a stretch to think you'd like this. However, if you didn't like The Chariot there is a chance you might like this. There's just no way to get around it. This is a cool project. I think all of those who are bummed The Chariot are over can officially be unbummed.