Artist: Curved Air Album: Midnight Wire

Year: 1975
Duration: 0:0-1

Midnight Wire: A Critical Review of Curved Air's Album

Curved Air is a British progressive rock band that gained fame in the early 70s for their unique sound and dynamic live performances. Led by the charismatic violinist and vocalist Sonja Kristina, the band was known for their complex arrangements, intricate instrumentation, and fusion of classical and rock influences. Their album Midnight Wire, released in 1975, is a prime example of their experimental style and innovative approach to music-making. In this article, we'll take a critical look at the album, examining its best songs and most notable features, as well as providing some historical context for the band and the prog rock genre.

Firstly, let's set the scene for Midnight Wire by providing some background on Curved Air and their musical style. The band was formed in 1970 and released their debut album, Air Conditioning, the following year. Their sound was characterized by the use of multiple instruments, including electric violin, guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards, as well as the expressive vocals of Kristina. They were part of a wider movement in the rock world that sought to bring together diverse musical styles and create something new and exciting.

Midnight Wire, released in 1975, was the band's fourth album and marked a departure from their earlier work. Where previous albums had been marked by long, complex compositions, Midnight Wire was a more streamlined affair, with shorter songs and a tighter focus on melody. The album featured a mix of original compositions and covers, including a version of Baby Please Don't Go and an adaptation of the classical piece Vivaldi. The result was an album that showcased the band's versatility and range, while still retaining their signature sound.

Of the album's nine tracks, some of the most memorable include Woman on a One Night Stand, Paris by Night, and Midnight Wire itself. Woman on a One Night Stand is a funky, upbeat number with a catchy guitar riff and Kristina's powerful vocals. Paris by Night is a more atmospheric piece, with swirling keyboards and a haunting melody. And Midnight Wire, the title track, is a tour-de-force of instrumental prowess, with each member of the band contributing to a dynamic and ever-shifting musical landscape.

One of the most innovative aspects of Midnight Wire is the way it combines different musical genres and techniques. For example, Vivaldi starts out with a classical violin riff before launching into a propulsive rock groove. Similarly, Everdance features a jazzy saxophone solo over a driving rhythm section. It's this willingness to experiment and push boundaries that makes Curved Air such an important and influential band.

That being said, Midnight Wire is not without its flaws. Some of the tracks, such as Man of a Thousand Faces and Bright Lights, feel a bit uninspired and formulaic. And while the album overall is more accessible than some of the band's earlier work, it still requires a certain level of patience and attention to fully appreciate.

In conclusion, Midnight Wire is a strong album that showcases the many talents of Curved Air. It's not necessarily their best work, but it's an important marker of their evolution as a band and a testament to their willingness to take risks and experiment. If you're a fan of progressive rock or just looking for something a bit different, give this album a listen and see what you think. And if you're already a fan of Curved Air, you won't be disappointed by the dynamic and engaging music on display here.

In conclusion, Midnight Wire is a strong album that showcases the many talents of Curved Air. It's not necessarily their best work, but it's an important marker of their evolution as a band and a testament to their willingness to take risks and experiment. If you're a fan of progressive rock or just looking for something a bit different, give this album a listen and see what you think. And if you're already a fan of Curved Air, you won't be disappointed by the dynamic and engaging music on display here.