MIDDLEWORLD
Learning To Swim
Self Release
www.middleworld.net

Since cutting their six-track disc, "Learning to Swim," early last year, Middleworld has gone through several personnel changes, including the all important lead singer slot.  If the remaining core continue in the disc's tradition of smart, Teutonic metal, gloriously retro-synthesizers and strong punchy triplets, then their new voice Carson Lawrence has no option but run or be run over.  Like fellow locals, Plastic and Angels or Insects, Middleworld draw psychedelic energy from synths meeting riffs.  "Learning to Swim," combines savage guitar histrionics, spaced-out analogue sounds and consistently funky basslines to put the listener somewhere between lost and searching, forever struggling inward while pushing forward.  Watch out!  The new line-up doubles up on percussion and lets loose with bass and guitar synthesizers plus keyboards and samplers.          John Noyd