The easiest thing for a rock band to inherit is a sound. The harder thing is to inherit an influence without becoming trapped inside it. On Right Side Of Midnight, Wrexham’s Rogue Angels occupy that space between homage and identity, drawing openly from classic rock while gradually revealing a character of their own. Across its five tracks, the EP carries traces of AC/DC’s weight, Free’s melodic instincts, Billy Idol’s attitude and early Bon Jovi’s arena-rock sensibilities. Yet beneath those familiar foundations sits a band increasingly interested in making those influences serve stories that feel considerably more grounded.
The record makes no attempt to disguise its affection for traditional rock songwriting. Big guitar riffs, driving rhythms and memorable choruses remain central to the band’s approach, while Mikey Dream’s vocals and the guitars of Ian Edwards and Joe Evans give the material its recognisable rock presence. Dominic Gallagher and Darren Collins provide the rhythmic foundation, keeping the arrangements direct and energetic. Rather than pursuing complexity for its own sake, Rogue Angels work within a musical language built around immediacy.
What gives Right Side Of Midnight greater dimension, however, is the contrast between that familiar musical vocabulary and the subjects underneath it. The band deliberately moves away from overly glamorous rock themes, exploring relationships, rebellion, vulnerability and social hardship. ‘Liza’ is particularly significant in this regard, approaching homelessness without turning it into romanticised rock mythology. The lyric “They don’t want to know your truths” captures the record’s broader interest in the distance between appearance and reality, while the atmospheric arrangement allows the subject matter to carry greater emotional weight. Its Radio Wigwam award nomination also reflects the song’s ability to take Rogue Angels beyond the straightforward rock anthem.
The rebellious character at the centre of ‘You Talk Too Much’ introduces another dimension to the band’s storytelling, while the melodic restraint of ‘Straight From The Heart’ demonstrates that their songwriting does not depend entirely on speed and volume. Together, these contrasts prevent the EP from functioning simply as a collection of retro-rock exercises.
There is also a strong sense of independence behind the recording itself. Rogue Angels wrote every riff, lyric, and drumbeat, with production handled by the band and recordings completed between their rehearsal space and a home studio in Coedpoeth. Bijan Tayari handled the drum recordings, while the remaining tracking, mixing and mastering were completed within the band’s own setup. The resulting production retains a raw, immediate quality that complements the music’s straightforward character.
Right Side Of Midnight documents a band standing between musical inheritance and emerging identity. Its influences are unmistakable, providing a strong foundation, and Rogue Angels are left with the more interesting task of deciding what can be built upon them!
