Midnight Fracture, a metal band from Mobile, Alabama, recently released a debut EP called The Silence. The four songs on the EP incorporate personal themes that frontman Leon Craft is willing to share that can possibly – hopefully – help listeners with their own daily challenges they face.
Originally Midnight Fracture began in 2022 as a one-man project by Leon, who had previously been playing bass in a local Mobile rock band. He released his first two singles, “I’m Fine” and “Find Myself Again”, as a solo act. But he was soon about to build his “Dream Team” – a band of talented musicians who share his same vision for the direction of Midnight Fracture. Leon says he went to a show where Brandon Rodgers, Joseph Carter, and Kevin Joslin were playing with a previous band they were in. They all got to talking about Leon’s music project, and he shared “I’m Fine” with them as well as a demo of what would, eventually, become “Find Myself Again”. After that night, Brandon and Joseph each approached Leon individually and said to him if he ever wanted to play his songs live and do the “band thing” again, they wanted in. Leon admits that took him by surprise. He wasn’t sure anyone would actually like what he was doing, much less want to be a part of it. After some convincing from his wife, Kristi, Leon decided to give it a try and turn Midnight Fracture into a full band, starting with Brandon and Joseph. Brandon works with drummer Dallas Todd’s cousin, and that’s how Dallas found out about the band. He sent them a message asking if he could audition. They found his YouTube channel and saw him doing drum covers of bands such as Avenged Sevenfold, Silent Planet, and Architects, and Leon says he was “just killing it”, so they knew he was the man for the job. Kevin Joslin was the final piece of the puzzle. Most of the band members already had known him for years. Brandon and Joseph played with him in other bands in the past. They knew he was highly skilled, and Leon says Kevin’s audition was “flawless” – as if he’d been playing with them the whole time. That is the story of how Midnight Fracture became a band.
Now that Leon had a great group of bandmates, the songwriting process changed a bit. The first three songs of the EP were done just by Leon and their producer, Charlie Hadley. Brandon did contribute with some screams on “Break Me”. The title track of the EP, “The Silence (Should I Be Saved)”, was the first truly collaborative effort by the whole band. Everyone had a hand in writing the music and the lyrics. Leon says he’s still the primary lyric writer, but everyone contributes and everyone’s ideas are heard and considered. This is no longer a solo project. It is truly a team effort now, from the music to the lyrics to the song structure – it all reflects contributions of the whole band as a unit. Leon gives a lot of credit to producer Charlie Hadley. When I interviewed Leon for my review of “I’m Fine”, he could not say enough good things about Charlie. He says Charlie never tells a band WHAT to sing or play. Instead, he gives ideas on things to try out to make something great even better.
Musically, the four songs on The Silence are each different. “Break Me” is up tempo, and incorporates fast-paced guitar riffs and hard vocals by Brandon Rodgers. “I’m Fine” is a little more melodic, and includes an interesting piano element in certain parts. The music at the beginning of “Find Myself Again” reminds me of a horror movie, and the same electronic melody is heard throughout the song. To me, the title track, “The Silence (Should I Be Saved)”, is the most intriguing song on the EP. This track again includes the hard vocals by Brandon. The music in the verses is heavy, while the chorus slows down and has a softer element. There’s a funky little guitar riff in the bridge. Leon is a very good singer, and you can tell he’s really been working on getting stronger as a lead vocalist. If I had to describe Midnight Fracture’s music, I’d call it “metalcore with a twist”. It combines heavy guitars, bass and drums with interesting melodies that incorporate keyboards and electronic elements into a unique sound. I can’t wait to hear more music from this band!
I’d like to share some of my own thoughts on the meaning behind the four songs on The Silence, as well as Leon’s insight that he shared with me.
“Break Me”
When I listen to this song, it makes me think about someone who is trying to be strong, not letting the world around them or inner demons bring them down. Leon said I’m right on the money. He explains that he wrote this song back when he was 17 years old, and it has taken many forms over the years. He is very proud to have it finally, as he says, “out in the wild” 16 years later.
“I’m Fine”
I previously wrote a review of this song when it was first released. I knew right away that Leon was going to do great things with his project because the music was amazing and the meaning behind the song was so relevant and relatable. Leon shared with me that “I’m Fine” is about depression and anxiety, and came to life after he had a midnight panic attack. At that point, the music was something he NEEDED to do for himself. He said the song is “Leon unfiltered” because the lyrics are so deeply personal. It’s so relatable because the song is literally about one of the greatest lies ever told. Someone asks another person how they are doing, and the answer is “I’m fine”, even if it’s not completely true. Sometimes, it’s easier to lie than face the truth of how you’re really feeling.
“Find Myself Again”
The interpretation I took from this song was about someone trying to break free from inner darkness and torment and realizing nobody else is going to help – you have to do it all on your own. Leon said this was pretty close, also. He shares that the inner darkness is still present in himself and he battles it every day. The “Me” he wants to find again is the person who used to be happy and look at the world in wonder and who loved life. He said he misses that version of himself. It’s a struggle, but he’s working to get back to that person he once was.
“The Silence (Should I Be Saved)”
This is definitely the deepest, most emotional song on the EP. Leon told me the whole story behind this track. He says it was the hardest song to write because of the place deep inside himself he had to go to get the words out. He openly admits he has tried to end his own life more than once. Depression is a daily battle for him, and it affects his daily life more than he would like it to. Lyrically, “The Silence” is an inner monologue of someone who is about to commit suicide. This person does what you’re supposed to do when you have these thoughts – reach out for help. Sadly, the person is not taken seriously, and gets responses such as “It’s just in your head” or “Can’t you just get over it”, or – even worse – silence. Yes, Leon, survived his experiences, but he still struggles with it. “Every time I look in the mirror, I’m looking at the person who tried to kill me. When I’m alone in a room, I am alone with the person who tried to kill me. This is what I have to live with, but I wouldn’t wish that feeling on anyone. If you have attempted and lived you know exactly what I’m talking about.” Leon says there are still many people who say you shouldn’t talk about suicide, but he believes it needs to be talked about more, and mental health needs to be taken far more seriously. He asks that if you see someone who is struggling, listen to them, lend a hand – at the very least, let them know you care. NEVER BE SILENT.
The first official music video with the full band was created for “Break Me”. They worked with Chaz Singleton of Astro Clown Productions. Leon calls him “amazing”. The video was actually shot in a small corner of Leon’s house. It’s a high-energy video which basically features the band performing the song in a dark room, with quick scenes of each band member in a straitjacket. At the end, the whole band is walking together outside in bright sunlight, and Leon is carrying the straitjacket. It’s almost symbolic of breaking out of our mental and emotional darkness and finding the light that is hope and possibly even happiness.
Midnight Fracture had its first live show July 8th at Alabama Bar in Mobile, along with Love The Hate, Rise The Phoenix, and F.I.L.T.H., and the band got a very good response from the crowd. Everyone really seemed to enjoy their set. What’s coming up for Midnight Fracture? The band is working on a full-length album, but there are not many details about that – yet. Stay tuned! They are also in talks about setting up future live shows. You can find Midnight Fracture on Facebook and Instagram.
I want to thank Leon Craft for being so helpful and forthcoming with the two reviews I have written about his music. He’s easy to work with, and he is also very honest and open about what his songs are about. I truly believe that Midnight Fracture music can help people who are battling in their lives. I’d like to include a link to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Please, save it and share it with anyone you think might need it. You can help save a life. Click HERE for the website.
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