Midlake appeared alongside Coldplay around 2003, the hairy, hippified Grateful Deaders to Coldplay’s (then unforeseen) fucking U2. Through relentless worldwide touring and the unwavering support of the splendid Bella Union label, Midlake kept their unbuyable integrity while Coldplay gang-banged Gwyneth Paltrow.
The creators of brilliant concept piece ‘The Trials Of Van Occupanther’ and lovely singles ‘Head Home’ and ‘Young Bride’ have kicked back on ‘Antiphon’, lyrics are sparse and lean, delivered with plummy depth by Eric Pulido. The title track, ‘The Old And The Young’ and ‘Provider’ in particular reflect a mature, musical, precise Band, steeped in the traditions of classic rock, but also a knowledge of how to soothe ragged nerves. The rock n roll version of Matisse‘s ‘art should be like a comfortable armchair’.
The New Musical Express (sic) slated the album because it doesn’t fit with their idea about what their ‘demo'(graphic) might enjoy, as if their demo is a roomful of Tea Party Robin Thicke fans with ADD. Patience, acuity and well-played, heartfelt rock explorations will serve you better than the latest dirge by Chvrches, Haim or Jake Bugg that these people are paid to try to convince you to listen to.
[Rating:3.5]
