Midlake: The Trials Of Van Occupanther

Midlake
The Trials Of Van Occupanther
Bella Union Records [2006]









Midlake’s The Trials Of Van Occupanther is a very interesting piece of work because it successfully plays with the time continuum between the 70’s and present day. Like any movie that messes with this concept, there is potential for hiccups. Just remember understanding Back To The Future III or 12 Monkeys. Midlake avoids any hiccup and successfully creates a 70’s environment with Tim Smith sounding like a young Lindsey Buckingham effortlessly singing each track. The music compliments his vocals with backing piano, soft drums and jazzy guitar. All of these components make for a very listenable album and even though I can compare their sound to many 70’s era bands it still feels present day. The Trials Of Van Occupanther has a very folk indie vibe and based on the strength of the single “Roscoe” I believe that we will be hearing more from Midlake in the future.

Key Tracks: "Roscoe", "Branches", "Bandits"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Fleetwood Mac
Grandaddy
Rogue Wave

Official Midlake Website
Midlake MySpace
Bella Union Records

-Reviewed by JT Burn