Forever At Midnight may be a new name in the pop-punk scene, but the story of their formation is one of deep-rooted passion and a shared love for music that resonates with raw emotion. The band hails from Sydney, Australia, and consists of three dynamic members: Liv Howlett on vocals, Evan Hughes on drums, and Josh Kim on guitars and programming. Each member brings a unique element to the band, but it’s their collective love for pop-punk and emo that truly unites them. The journey of Forever At Midnight began in the most organic way possible—through a mutual appreciation for the bands that shaped their formative years. Paramore, Fall Out Boy, and the more recent Hot Milk were the artists that brought them together, creating a bond over the high-energy, emotionally charged sound that defines pop-punk.
They experimented with their own music as a result of their common interest, fusing their unique skills to produce something that was simultaneously familiar and fresh. The composition process that resulted in their first hit, “Meant to Be,” was started by guitarist Josh Kim. Josh contributed to the band’s distinctive style by having a natural affinity for catchy riffs, melodies, and the power chords that characterize pop-punk music. Liv Howlett’s stirring vocals brought the song to life, and drummer Evan Hughes contributed his hard, driving rhythms.
Since she has always been drawn to the storytelling element of music, Liv created an instrumental rhythm on which she skillfully captured the anguish and fragility of rejected love. Thus, in addition to showcasing the band’s technical prowess, the song demonstrated their capacity to emotionally connect with listeners. Even though Forever At Midnight is just getting started, the chemistry between Josh, Evan, and Liv is already apparent. This is a band that doesn’t mind being a little transparent and honest with their listeners by exploring their feelings via their songs. With their impressive debut and upcoming releases, Forever At Midnight is sure to make a lasting effect on the pop-punk scene.
Forever At Midnight, the newest pop-punk phenomenon in Sydney, released their explosive new single “Meant to Be” on August 2nd, 2024. This song is a dedication to anybody who has ever known the depths of unfulfilled love and harbored a desire for someone who is not like them. Pop-punk classic “Meant to Be” was inspired by such iconic bands as Paramore and Fall Out Boy. It captures the intensity, the heartache, and the bittersweet sensation of having your heart shattered for someone who is just out of reach flawlessly. Whether they are reminiscing their teenage years or negotiating the complexities of modern love, “Meant to Be” is an inspirational song that has a profound emotional impact on listeners. It serves as a gentle reminder that it’s acceptable to feel vulnerable, desperate, and deeply in love at times.
Upon initially pressing play on “Meant to Be,” the debut single of Forever At Midnight, I was captivated by a realm of vivid emotions and unadulterated intensity. The song’s opening solo on the drums sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is an unashamed declaration of unfulfilled love wrapped in the well-known yet exhilarating pop-punk sound. The excitement that comes with discovering a new band was palpable as soon as the first beats reached my ears, and Forever At Midnight did not let me down. I was immediately drawn in by the track’s contagious intensity and its ability to seamlessly combine anguish and melody.
The vocals and instrumentation blended together so well that it was the first thing that caught my attention. Liv Howlett’s voice is incredibly captivating; it possesses a powerful and expressive quality that makes it impossible to overlook the sincerity with which she delivers the lyrics. As Liv sings, I could sense the longing and desperation that frequently accompany feelings of unrequited love. Her voice easily glides over the upbeat instrumentation, never losing its focus amidst the intense guitar riffs and relentless drumbeats. Rather, it enhances them, producing a sound that is dynamic and coherent. I could clearly imagine the situation she was describing as I listened—the silent desire and the hope that maybe, just maybe, the person she is singing to may take notice of her.
One more thing that really amazed me was the instrumentation in “Meant to Be”. Josh Kim does an amazing job on the guitar. His catchy riffs and power chords perfectly capture the essence of pop-punk and instantly take me back to the heyday of the genre. It sounds new and modern, but it also has a nostalgic quality that makes me think of bands like Paramore and Fall Out Boy. The rich, layered texture produced by the guitar lines blending with the bass and drums is what gives the song its contagious vitality. The music moves forward with unwavering accuracy thanks to Evan Hughes’ drumming. Liv’s stunning vocals are amply supported by the tight, flawlessly synced rhythm section.
Over the course of the song, I noticed that my interest in the story it tells grows. The universal emotion of falling in love with someone who doesn’t share your feelings is captured in the straightforward yet incredibly relevant lyrics. I was reminded of the times in my own life when I felt invisible to the person I cared about the most as Liv sang. “Meant to Be” is a powerful song because of its relatability. The band has done a really honest and raw job of tapping into a sentiment that a lot of us have felt at some point. I couldn’t resist becoming engrossed in the sense of urgency that Liv’s passionate voice and the powerful soundscape generate.
One of my favorite things about “Meant to Be” is how well it balances sensitivity and power. The band delivers the song with a sense of empowerment, even though it is definitely about unfulfilled love. The song exudes strength with its quick tempo and cheerful orchestration, as though it’s saying, “Yes, this hurts, but I’m going to keep moving forward.” The song’s power stems from its dual nature, which expresses both sadness and self-worthiness. I couldn’t help but nod in time—not just to the beat, but also to the message the lyrics expressed. It reminds us that even when things don’t work out, we are strong enough to love anyhow.
When I got to the song’s conclusion, I was amazed at how the band builds suspense and then lets it out with an intense chorus. My spine tingled when I heard Liv’s voice over doubledubbed vocals because they provide even more intensity to her already powerful performance. The music builds to a crescendo that is simultaneously triumphant and melancholic as the instruments soars. All the feelings that have been brewing beneath the surface suddenly surface at this cathartic moment. I had an immediate connection to the band as well as the music; it was as though they had taken a fragment of their own experience and intimately shared it with me.
I knew I would listen to “Meant to Be” over and over again as the song’s last notes faded. When you hear this kind of music, you can’t help but feel strongly about it for the rest of your life. Forever At Midnight has skillfully explored the intricacies of love and desire through the use of music. Anyone who has ever experienced the heartache of unfulfilled love will relate greatly to the song “Meant to Be”. I’m so happy I found this band after everything. With this album, Forever At Midnight has truly caught something special, and I am eager to see where they take their music in the future.
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