Midlake // Antiphon

What makes a band? Those who feel the secret lies at the feet of the lead vocalist – especially those who are Midlake fans – will find themselves uneasy at the idea of a Midlake release after the news of the departure of vocalist, Tim Smith. What effect has it had on this, their fourth studio album? I have a certain affection for Tim Smith’s voice, which I find myself yearning a little for. I want to dial his number one more time, wait excitedly as the ringing tone does its job and put the phone down immediately after he answers, “Hello?” Yes I miss him, but in Eric Pulido, perhaps I have a partner for life. There’s a sympathy in Pulido’s voice towards how Smith sang, and it’s comforting, but there’s also a less flighty, earthy maturity to his vocals. Midake’s intricate harmonies won’t have the same dark and shade again, but there’s a positive to the shift. I think the songs have regained their strength in simplicity. Their third album, ‘The Courage of Others’ was slightly indulgent. They took their Pentangle-influenced, British folk loving homage to a slightly less accessible level. ‘Antiphon’ takes them back to their roots. They sound more American, more classic and there’s a feeling you’ve known the songs for years. ‘Antiphon’ is a perfect assertion to start with. It’s more impactful than ‘The Courage of Others’, and it continues along that vein with the rolling drums of very 70s ‘Provider’. The intention does trail off a little around half way, but it remains an enjoyable listen. In the realm of old folk stories, this is very much New Testament for Midlake, and I hope there’s chapters to come. 8/10 Emma R. Garwood