Written by Emily Lutz
Pittsburgh based pop-punk band The Middle Room has released their debut EP, “Never Satisfied.” This record is full of songs that are reminiscent of the summer and music festivals, something nearly everyone needs as our time without live music extends and the weather gets colder.
The EP starts out with the track “Hold That Thought”, which is about leaving an unhealthy part of your life and moving on from it, whether it be a relationship, friendship, job, or anything else that might be holding you back. The lines in the chorus, “Spare me the lecture / I’m already gone” feel like the final door closing to a bad situation.
Next up is “What a Catch,” the first song on the EP to be released. It’s all about feeling stuck and needing a break, and the frustration that the lyrical content holds is all too relatable.
“Why Worry” is the third song on this release, chronicling a conversation with someone you have trust in and care for to help build them up. The lyric “Why do you dance around so terrified?” is probably my favorite from this song, as this little question speaks so much volume about how you just want this person to break out, have confidence, and be who they’re meant to be.
Moving into the second half of the EP, "Firewall" can be described as the turning point of the overall release as the majority of the song is high energy until the final minute where things start to slow down and show a more vulnerable side to the group. Be sure to let us know if you find the Game of Thrones reference!
The fifth song off of “Never Satisfied” was my most anticipated track, “Every Now and Then” featuring Maggie Schneider of Glimmers. This track was written as a back-and-forth between both sides of a relationship that seems like it will inevitably end, with vocals by frontman Johnny Dombeck and Schneider complementing each other nicely.
“20/20” uses melodic instrumentals to showcase Dombeck's vocal ability, described by bassist John Huffman as “everything and nothing at the same time...an open door but also a closed one.” Lyrics like “I feel like you have a great way of seeing the world in a minute” and “I wish that you could see the way that you perceive everyone and everything / It’s mesmerizing” serve as references to the title, alluding to having perfect vision.
Closing out the EP is “(It’s Dangerous to Go) Alone”, which Dombeck calls “emotional...angry...it's the dark side of a breakup story mashed together from different members of the band.” The lyric “I’ll go alone if I must” communicates that aggravation, as the speaker walks away from a toxic situation and puts themselves first.
Overall, I feel nothing but excitement for this release. The Middle Room should definitely be on your list of bands to keep your eye on as an up and coming group.
“Never Satisfied” is now available on all streaming platforms. Be sure to keep up with The Middle Room on social media and let us know your thoughts on the EP by tweeting us @lgndsoftmrw.
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