Review: Softlung's "Midnight Mountains"

by Scott Roos

Our Grade: B+

Softlung, the Saskatoon-based project of S.J. Kardash, returns with “Midnight Mountains,” a smooth, well-crafted single that leans heavily on strong production and clean melodic instincts. Released on November 4th, the track is silky without being slick, with clear attention paid to how each element sits in the mix. It flirts with adult contemporary territory with a light touch of alt-rock but keeps enough indie-pop character to avoid sounding overly safe.

Sonically, it lands somewhere between earnest pop-rock and light indie fare. There are hints of Jars of Clay (writer's note: I know that's an old school reference but that's what my brain is telling me) in the melodic approach and a touch of 2010s CanRock. Think something in the Yukon Blonde neighbourhood but without the dated electronic sheen. The arrangement stays relatively light and uncluttered, allowing the song to move along at a comfortable pace.

Kardash’s vocals sit mostly in a higher tenor range and carry the track with ease. His voice is often doubled in octaves, with some touches of subtle harmony adding lift and fullness, particularly in the chorus. The chorus itself is a clear highlight: catchy, well-shaped, and built around a strong hook that gives the song real staying power.

If there’s a weak spot, it’s in the verse's chord progression, which feels a little pedestrian and overly familiar. That said, the strength of the vocal delivery and the surrounding production help smooth over those moments, keeping the song from ever feeling flat or uninspired.

Originally written in a bedroom using an ’80s-style synthesizer and drum machine, “Midnight Mountains” was later fleshed out in the studio, with Kardash handling most of the instrumentation and production himself, alongside additional guitar work from Conor Cassidy. The end result is cohesive and polished, showing a clear sense of intention.

Overall, “Midnight Mountains” is an approachable, well-produced single that plays to Softlung’s strengths. It doesn’t push boundaries, but solid hooks, clean vocals, and careful production make it an easy and rewarding listen. It's okay, but not great.