There’s something about the space between days,that brief moment where the world is asleep and imagination runs wild that brings out the best in cinematic alt-­rock band Midnight Divide. The Los Angeles-based project calls it their “inspiration from the ether”.

It seems to be working, considering the band’s debut EP Embrace The Wave reached #149 on the CMJ 200, they placed 2nd at the Hollywood Battle of the Bands, finished their first national tour in Fall 2016, and are releasing their second EP titled Dichotomy on August 8th.

Band members Austen Moret (vocals/guitar), Jace McPartland (bass), Sab Cahrunas (drums), and Dan Beltran (lead guitar) have been playing together for a little over a year, but their sound has evolved tremendously from their debut record to the upcoming self-recorded EP. Synths and hip-hop production have all taken a bigger seat at the table, while the core is still very much rooted in rock-based drums and guitars.

Electrifying lead single “Animal Eyes” is a prime example of Midnight Divide’s progressive, richly hybrid sound. The band blends atmospheric cinematic rock with electronic elements and even adds touches of industrial, disco-pop, and post-punk styles into the intense, but concise composition.

A nocturnal, slightly ominous ambience pervades “Animal Eyes” as the verses lurk in the shadows before pouncing on the dramatic chorus sections. Moret’s vocals slink by on the verses and attack with fervor on the chorus, bolstered by higher register, siren-like vocal lines that radiate a heightened emotive vibe.

The band reveal that “Animal Eyes”, which was written, produced, and mixed by Moret, … is a revenge song, pure and simple. Some people think they can keep you down…and they’d be wrong.” It fits with the EP’s theme of being betrayed by someone you love and the divergent feelings that result from the experience.

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