Burning Like the Midnight Sun
Burning Like the Midnight Sun is the 12th studio release and 11th full-length album by the alternative rock band the Choir. It came out in 2010 after the group took a break to work on other projects. Lead singer/guitarist Derri Daugherty and drummer Steve Hindalong were busy with the Christian supergroup Lost Dogs and other productions, while guitarist Marc Byrd toured with Hammock. Despite their side projects, the band felt drawn back to the studio thanks to persistent fan demand, and the album was funded in part by Hindalong and Michaels’ own efforts.
The album was recorded at Daugherty’s Sled Dog Studios in Franklin, Tennessee, and marked a period of both collaboration and challenge. Hindalong says the sessions were smooth and satisfying, while Daugherty notes that the band often argues in a productive way about musical direction. Much of the music grew from guitar ideas Daugherty had planned for a solo instrument project. In the end, Burning Like the Midnight Sun reflects the combined musical personalities of all five members, producing a richer, more unified sound.
Musically, the Choir blended their usual rock with experimental touches. The band drew inspiration from groups like Explosions in the Sky, the National, Beach House, and Grizzly Bear, creating lush textures and moodier tones. There are moments of psychedelia, such as on “I’m Sorry I Laughed,” with unusual percussion and guitar effects. Hindalong also experimented with unusual sounds, including a metallic backbeat on “A Friend So Kind.” One track, “It Should Have Been Obvious,” includes music contributed by Daugherty’s son Max Chandler.
Many songs on the album are personal. Several are inspired by the band members’ lives, while others pay tribute to friends. For example, “Mr. Chandler” recalls a long-ago travel snafu at the airport; “I’m Sorry I Laughed” tells of a touring mishap involving saxophonist Dan Michaels; “Legend of Old Man Byrd” reworks a song Hindalong wrote for Byrd’s 40th birthday; and “A Friend So Kind” is a heartfelt tribute to pianist Tom Howard. “Between Bare Trees,” Hindalong’s favorite on the record, reflects his love of nature and his relationship with his then-wife, Nancy. The album also includes songs dealing with broader themes, including social issues and a personal examination of faith, love, and mercy.
The artwork for Burning Like the Midnight Sun was created by Ron Lyon, who produced an original art piece for each of the 11 tracks. To promote the project, the band hosted a New Orleans gallery event in October 2010 and later released the art as part of the album’s package. The album was first sold on the band’s website on July 29, 2010, and later released on iTunes and other streaming platforms. A special pre-order option, Package A, offered VIP access to a barbecue and a private acoustic show at Michaels’ home, plus a companion CD with commentary from all five band members. A DVD of mix stems was also provided for fans to remix songs, and some fan remixes were shared on the Choir’s social pages. In 2012, Burning Like the Midnight Sun was briefly offered as a free download through NoiseTrade to promote the band’s next release.
Critics welcomed the album as a high point in the Choir’s later work. Reviewers praised its maturity, production, and lyrical depth, calling it a late-career triumph and one of the band’s best records. Apple Music later noted Derri Daugherty’s evocative singing and the Choir’s shimmering guitar layers and moody textures, highlighting the thoughtful and spiritual nature of Hindalong’s lyrics. The album’s liner notes credit all lyrics to Hindalong and all music to Daugherty and Hindalong, with additional musicians and production contributors involved in the project.
In short, Burning Like the Midnight Sun is a concise, cohesive blend of personal storytelling, reflective faith, and lush indie-rock sound, showing the Choir at a creative peak as they return to the studio with renewed energy and collaboration.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 16:01 (CET).