The Last Resort (Big Machine, 2021)

Midland make it sound easy with the new "The Last Resort" EP. While the upbeat "Two To Two Step" is already a setlist favorite, much of this project – as well as a goodly portion of Midland's catalog – is slower and much more thoughtful. It's all good, though, and "The Last Resort" is just another small chapter in Midland's growing book of fine songs.

Listening to Midland can be a little like a scenario where the Eagles' '70s country-rock heyday has been revived in the form of this talented trio. The heart of the Eagles' artistic success was always its strong songs, which were couched in – by contemporary standards – traditional country music. Whether singing about the morning after, as happens during "Sunrise Tells The Story," or angling for another man's girl ("Take Her Off Your Hands"), Midland gives us a quintet of Eagles-level quality songs.

The musicianship is strong, including plenty of tasty guitar work and warm steel guitar. Of course, the singing is also stellar. Far too often, contemporary Nashville record productions bury vocals under far too much instrumentation. Not so with Midland, though. This act, although signed to a major label, spotlights wonderful singing as its sonic trademark.

It's true how sometimes the best things come in small packages, as this five-song snack is one enjoyable, filling snack. Make "The Last Resort" your first listening choice.