Midnite City - Bite The Bullet
Reviewed by Allister Spence • 19 October 2025
Midnite City’s fifth studio album, “Bite The Bullet,” is a full-throttle celebration of everything that made '80s melodic rock so gloriously addictive. Formed in 2017 by Rob Wylde (whose pedigree includes Tigertailz, Vega, Steevi Jaimz, and Teenage Casket Company,) the band has always worn its influences proudly. But here, they don’t just channel the spirit of KISS, Bon Jovi, and Poison; they elevate it, track after track, with a modern edge and unrelenting energy.
The album opens with ‘Live Like Ya Mean It,’ a thunderous statement of intent. Driven by Ryan Biggs’ pounding drums and Miles Meakin’s squealing guitar solos, it’s a riot of harmonies and swagger, with Wylde’s vocals evoking the gritty charm of Motley Crue layered over the melodic punch of Little Angels. It does what any good opening track on an album should do; grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go.
‘Worth Fighting For’ shifts gears into softer territory, letting Shawn Charvette’s keyboards take the spotlight. The guitars build patiently toward a chorus that’s both tender and triumphant; a tale of love’s resilience that feels earned rather than sentimental. Later, ‘Seeing Is Believing’ offers a power ballad breather, reining in the bombast for a moment of vulnerability that still pulses with emotion.
‘Running Back To Your Heart’ is pure melodic rock gold. With chugging riffs, chiming keys, and a chorus that practically begs for a live singalong, it’s one of the album’s most infectious moments. The backing ‘wooooohs’ in the outro are tailor-made for festival crowds and sweaty club nights alike. ‘Lethal Dose Of Love’ follows with a chorus that hits like a freight train, the word ‘lethal’ shouted in unison before Meakin’s guitar solo takes flight.
There’s atmosphere too. ‘Archer’s Song’ offers a brief instrumental interlude, its soft drums and keyboard intro painting a cinematic introduction to ‘Seeing Is Believing’ before the next wave of rockers. ‘Hang On Til Tomorrow’ and ‘No One Wins’ keep the momentum going, with vocal double-tracking and driving rhythms that never overstay their welcome.
And just when you think the ride’s over, ‘When The Summer Ends’ closes the album with a nostalgic shimmer. Its intro nods to Journey with a synth sparkle reminiscent of Van Halen’s ‘Jump,’ but the track quickly finds its own identity; a pop-rock gem that leaves you grinning and reaching for the repeat button.
The band: Wylde on vocals and rhythm guitar, Meakin on lead, Josh Williams on bass, Biggs on drums, and Charvette on keys are locked in throughout. Their chemistry is palpable, and under the production of Chris Laney (Europe, Crash Diet, Crazy Lixx, Pretty Maids), the album finds the perfect balance of gloss and grit. It’s polished enough to shine, but never loses its bite.
“Bite The Bullet” isn’t just a throwback; it’s a masterclass in melodic rock artisanry. For fans of big choruses, soaring vocals, and epic guitars, this is a record that doesn’t just hit the mark; it blows it wide open.
