Jeff Lake – ‘Midnight Sun’ [Album Review]

Singer-songwriter Jeff Lake, who calls his brand of Americana music “country-fried rock,” a combination of folk, bluegrass, and rock, will soon drop his debut long player Midnight Sun.

Released to radio in January, Midnight Sun debuted at #136 on the AMA’s chart. Currently, the album has ascended to #100, with radio stations across the U.S. playing songs from the album.

Lake began playing guitar at the age of eight. By the time he was in junior high school, he had put together his first band. He played his first professional gig when he was 17. A Civil War buff, he studied journalism and history at Brooklyn College before quitting school to make music full-time.

Lake has written music for Universal Greece recording artist Michalis and the theme song for CBS’s Latin American Idol spinoff show, the Nueva Estrella Awards. He has performed and recorded alongside members of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the Dennis DeYoung Band, as well as the Billy Joel Band.

High points on the album include the title track, an homage to Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song.” With its layers of ’80s rock guitars, sawing fiddle, and rhythmic, rap-like vocals, the track exudes a country gospel sensation. Lyrically, the song reveals feelings of displacement, detachment, depression, and life in a world changing too fast.

A personal favorite because of its lively, driving rhythm and Lake’s expressive vocals, “Country Girl” features pushing riffs and a deliciously braying harmonica that gives the tune nickering textures.

Jeff Lake, photo courtesy of Jeff Lake

Brimming with heady rockabilly flavors, “My GF Gotta BF” conveys a contagious, swinging rhythm as Lake lets his rasping vocals infuse the lyrics with surprised incredulity, followed by a ‘handwriting is on the wall’ realization.

On “My Best Friend,” a tender, emotional song, Lake shows the range of his voice, imbuing the lyrics with affectionate warmth. Low-slung, spangled guitars glide forth on drawling surfaces, adding to the sentimental lifeblood of the song.

With Midnight Sun, Jeff Lake moves to and fro between playful, rollicking country rock and the quieter moods of self-reflection.

Midnight Sun Track Listing:

1. Midnight Sun
2. The Lucky One
3. Seven Days
4. Country Girl
5. Ain’t Misbehavin’
6. Marie
7. My GF Gotta BF
8, The Man That I Am
9. My Best Friend
10. Midnight Sun – Yellowstone Mix

Run Time: 32:05
Release Date: To Be Determined
Record Label: Independent