Midnight Satire Releases Augmented Reality
Words by Jake Weed
Solo artist Midnight Satire, has released their first full length project titled Augmented Reality. A six track, 20 minute piece of artistry that blurs the sounds between indie rock, ambiance, and aspects of eletronica to create this incredible feeling of a nostalgic present. Something I believe we have all felt from time to time in our own ways.
By starting off the record with A.R. you are entranced with a combination of acoustic guitar and digital synths accompanied by a gritty digitized vocal track. This contrast between acoustic and digital sounds gives you the feeling of nostalgia while reminding you of the very daunting present and future of everyday life. The tracks that follow do so seamlessly. Rather than ending they bleed into one another carrying the album along.
The record focuses very much on the mundane aspects of being constantly connected to our phones and social media, while also contemplating the realities of physical life and what it means to be alive in this very digital world we are surrounded by. A Not-So-Serious Man really harkens to the idea of being engulfed in social media and the false realities while figuring out one’s own purpose and feeling miserable in comparison to these ultra-perfect ideas of life. These ideas are juxtaposed with a very bright and enjoyable sound that never makes you feel too overwhelmed with these concepts, but rather enough to create contemplation while listening.
The record finishes with a six minute track titled Cycle of Spira which reflects on the end of life, how moments become timeless and years pass before you realize until your final day. It only makes sense to finish a record focusing on life and it’s passing with its final destination, death. But this is not a sad view on death, rather it's telling that death is nothing to be afraid of, it’s about your reflection on life and how the other side lies a whole new life ahead. The songs starts off subtle and reminiscent picking up until it becomes a very upbeat, hopeful tune, sounding almost excited for what is to come. A very impactful way to end a record focusing on the sadder more existencial side of life. There is not a dull moment here as every track brings its own flavor to the album bringing everything together.