Median's Debut LP, "Off Day," Bends Genres And Finally Explores The Heavy Stuff
Philadelphia born and bred rock band Median have just released their debut album, Off Day, via Free Dive Records, and it peaked at #10 on Apple Music’s Alternative Charts. If you kept up with the three singles they put out to tease the LP, then you’re in for a very pleasant listening experience.
A recurring theme within Median’s releases is that there is no theme, and they adhere to validating each band member’s different stylistic tastes. There are obvious influences of indie pop, grunge rock, and pop punk. That respect and teamwork shines through in each song in the most understated and perfect way, making for an amalgam of unique tracks, all bound by an underlying and unifying sound that is, arguably, the median. This album is meant to be listened to front to back, for that exact reason.
If you can picture it, they mesh well with groups like Turnover, The Story So Far, and Boston Manor.
Of the release, singer Victor Sabatino said, “We wanted something refreshing but still true-to-self: something that you could find a song for every part of your week depending on how you were feeling.”
As far as notable tracks go, there are a couple that get me. The opener, and first single, “Time Alone,” is definitely a stand-alone song. (You might remember the music video they released for this one). I like this sound and I want more of it, but it is unique in the tracklisting. It sounds deceptively bright - the “pop” in pop punk for sure - with a looping, almost synthetic guitar riff, but the lyrics are where the “punk” in pop punk comes in.
“Where” is a super grungy, angsty garage-rock song, an immediate transition from “Time Alone” and its melancholic rhythm. However, the shouty vocals in both “Time Alone” and “Where” couldn’t be more different from each other, but in the best way.
The titular track, “Off Day,” is where the album starts to get heavy. Sabatino said, “I haven't gotten to really write a straight-up song about suicide before with Median. I like keeping the energy up about things like that because there was really no way to get out of the state I was in besides changing my own mindsets and world views.”
As the album progresses, the sound that begins to overwhelm the genre-bending pattern that the first several tracks follow is definitely more on the side of loud punk rock. Median is definitely developing their unique sense of sound as a whole, without sacrificing the individual band members’ individuality. They thrive in the heavy space, while still managing to hold onto intricate guitar work, beautifully specific lyrics, and the ability to tightly and concisely play off one another.
Overall, this is a promising first full-length release from a band who has their feet in several different doors while also managing to solidify their specific place in Philly’s music scene. With an already-impressive list of notable publications that have praised their individuality (The Key, Sirius XM, and a Rolling Stones journalist), Median has plans for a productive 2019.
The band kicked off a summer tour on June 22nd with shows planned all the way through August 1st, with the final stop at our own PhilaMOCA.
Album credits:
Written and Performed by: Median
Produced by: Tyler Ripley
Recording Engineers: Michael Cumming, Tyler Ripley and Victor Sabatino (Rear Window)
Assisting Recording Engineers:
Victor Sabatino and Matthew Fischer
Mixing Engineer: Tyler Ripley
Mastering Engineer: Tyler Ripley
Recorded at: Rittenhouse Soundworks and Little Brother Studios
Mixed at: Rittenhouse Soundworks and Maryanne Studios
Mastered at: Maryanne Studios
Published by: Free Dive Records located in Philadelphia PA