Midnite City – ‘Bite The Bullet’

(Pride & Joy Music)

If Midnite City have proven anything over their last few releases, it’s that they aren’t just flying the flag for melodic rock, they’re actively setting it on fire, waving it from the rooftops and screaming into the night about why this music still matters. With Bite The Bullet the band take every scrap of momentum they’ve built and thrust it into their most confident, colourful and hook loaded album to date. It’s an unapologetic celebration of big choruses, glossy production and have an unmistakable vibe of their own that sets them apart!

Right from the first seconds, Midnite City make it clear they aren’t easing into anything. The guitars blaze, the drums thunder, and the vocals ride high over the top with raspy authority. This is a band that knows precisely what they do well and leans into it without a hint of hesitation. Bite The Bullet is absolutely stuffed with songs that sound like they were built for neon-lit nights, open-top drives and crowds shouting every word back at the stage.

What’s impressive, though, is that for all its adrenaline and brightness, the album never falls into the trap of being just a feel good throwback. There’s genuine craftsmanship running through every track. Beneath the glitter and swagger lies a band who clearly understand the roots of the genre but also know how to make it feel relevant in 2025. The production is polished without sanding off the edges, the keyboards sparkle without drowning the guitars, and the choruses – well, that’s where Midnite City consistently outdo themselves.

Take the album’s high-octane moments. They’re loud, energetic, and packed with attitude, but they’re never messy. Every hook feels laser-targeted, every guitar solo serves the song rather than ego and the vocal arrangements are tight enough to rival any classic AOR outfit. When the band go for a chorus, they don’t just step up they leap with both feet forward, aiming straight for the stratosphere. Songs like ‘Live Like Ya Mean It’ and ‘Running Back To Your Heart’ showcase the band’s uncanny ability to blend grit with shine. The guitars snarl; the keys add a playful lift; the vocals belt out lines built for maximum sing-along impact. It’s the kind of melodic rock that demands to be played loud, ideally with someone nearby yelling “turn it up!” even though you already have.

But what really elevates Bite The Bullet beyond a simple feel good rocker is the album’s dynamic range. Midnite City refuse to coast on just speed and swagger they’re equally capable of delivering emotion, warmth, and atmosphere. When they shift gears into ballad territory, the band prove they’re not only masters of hooks but also of heart. Tracks like ‘Seeing Is Believing’ and ‘It’s Going To Be Alright’ demonstrate a keen sense of emotional pacing. They blend lush keyboards, heartfelt vocals and shimmering guitar lines into slow burn build ups that land with satisfying impact.

Even the album’s more atmospheric or experimental moments help reinforce the identity of Bite The Bullet. The brief instrumental interlude ‘Archer’s Song’ gives the record breathing room, breaking up the high energy sections with something more cinematic. It’s not flashy, but it is thoughtful, a small detail that adds significant structure to the listening experience.

Of course, a Midnite City album wouldn’t be complete without a few tracks that embody the very spirit of late 80’s rock excess. ‘Lethal Dose of Love’ is gloriously over the top, leaning heavily into swaggering riffs and cheeky lyricism. It’s the kind of song that feels like it should be performed on a stage drenched in smoke and bright lights. Meanwhile, the rockers that populate the back half of the album like ‘Hang On Til Tomorrow’ showcase a band who haven’t lost their sense of play. These tracks don’t break new ground, but they don’t need to. They’re fun, tight, well-written, and prove that Midnite City understand exactly why this genre has endured.

A real standout of the album arrives at the very end. ‘When The Summer Ends’ is the kind of closer some bands search their entire careers for. Nostalgic but hopeful, melodic but grounded, it feels like the soundtrack to the last perfect night of youth. It’s emotional without dipping into melodrama, confident without feeling overblown, and it leaves you with that warm “let’s play this whole thing again” glow that only a great album closer can deliver.

Midnite City haven’t reinvented melodic rock, they’ve reaffirmed why people fell in love with it in the first place. This is a band performing at the height of their powers, fully aware of their strengths and committed to delivering the biggest, brightest, and most satisfying version of their sound. The album is catchy, polished, heartfelt, and bursting with enthusiasm. There’s no filler, no misfires, no moments where the energy sags. Just a band on fire, delivering track after track with confidence and charisma.

If you’re already a fan, you’ll find plenty here to adore. If you’re new to Midnite City Bite The Bullet is the perfect gateway, a neon lit, melody soaked showcase of everything that makes this band shine.

In a rock landscape that often takes itself too seriously, Midnite City remind us of the joy of big choruses, soaring vocals, and songs that make you want to roll down the windows and belt the lyrics into the night. And with this one they hit that sweet spot with absolute precision.

9/10

Essential Track – ‘Worth Fighting For’

Review By Woody