‘Without Ya’ may create the impression that Robin Zander handles the lead vocals, but that assumption is actually incorrect, of course. However, The Midnight Callers make no effort to conceal their influences, with Cheap Trick being one of them.

Their sophomore album, Rattled Humming Heart, serves as a heartfelt tribute to the Power Pop sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s. ‘Without Ya’ stands out as one of the many exuberant celebrations found on this remarkable record. Drawing inspiration from Power Pop’s heyday, where the boundaries between infectious pop, fist pumping glam rock, mellow AOR, lively New Wave, and raw rock remained delightfully blurred, The Midnight Callers embrace the same infectious energy and conviction.

This spirit is akin to the self-assuredness displayed, for instance, by Locksley on their masterpiece ‘Don’t Make Me Wait,’ or Rick Springfield when he unexpectedly enjoyed a series of major hits in the mid-’80s.

From the very first track, “New York Tramp,” to the final song, “Colors,” every moment is emotionally resonant.

Marley Myrianthopoulos explains how “Rattled Humming Heart” came about.

How did this record come together?

“Rattled Humming Heart” emerged from our experiences during the pandemic. Many songs on the album began as collaborative Dropbox files that we worked on from home while in quarantine and unable to rehearse. Once we were satisfied with the ideas, we began performing them live as opportunities arose, assessing their natural and enjoyable aspects. Subsequently, we entered the House of Vibes with Kurt Reil to record the album.

How do you determine when a song is complete and ready for recording?

As a band that frequently performs live, the album recording isn’t the final phase of a song; it’s just another step in the process. Songs are never truly “finished.” Most tracks on both albums were played live before being recorded, and even today, we often perform them with variations from their album versions. The decision to record a song stems from recognizing that it could benefit from the full studio treatment to further develop. Even for songs played differently now compared to their album versions, entering the studio to finalize those renditions was crucial for their current state.

How do you strike a balance between experimentation and commercial appeal in your music?

We make an effort not to overly concern ourselves with commercial appeal. Being part of the internet generation, we’ve come to understand that no matter how specialized an interest might be, there’s a community of like-minded individuals out there. Conversely, it’s impossible to create something universally pleasing, so fixating on potential detractors is counterproductive. Naturally, our strong influence from prominent musical artists, who have left a significant mark on their respective styles, contributes to our perspective. We focus on creating music we genuinely enjoy and would want to listen to, without excessive emphasis on the commercial aspect, hoping that it resonates with others as well.

Imagine introducing your music to new listeners with three songs. Which songs would you choose and why?

Selecting only three is quite challenging. Given our identity as a power pop band, our fundamental essence revolves around harmonies and guitars. For showcasing our versatility, we might opt for “Baby Let Me Be,” “Without Ya,” and “New York Tramp.” Alternatively, for a focus on cohesiveness over diversity, we could consider “Baby Let Me Be,” “Girl on the Run,” and “Step!”

What are the plans for the upcoming months?

On August 11th, we are excited to release another new track on “JEM Records Celebrates Ray Davies.” To experience our new songs in a live setting, you can join us at The Parkside Lounge in New York City on August 25th, Cisco Brewery in New Bedford, MA on August 27th, the Roscoe Beer Company on September 2nd, and the Eastern States Exposition on September 30th. Stay tuned for updates on new gigs and projects by following us on Instagram @themidnightcallers and visiting our website: www.themidnightcallers.com. If you attend a show or connect with us on social media, please don’t hesitate to say hello!