Midlake // The Courage Of Others
Midlake - The Courage of Others.
It has been well documented that Midlake have crossed the pond, influence-wise, putting to bed their American comparisons and making a nod towards British folk bands of the last century, making ‘The Courage of Others’ far removed from their debut - the more psychedelic 'Bamnan and Silvercork’ - but a natural progression from ‘…Van Occupanther’. That is not the only thing that has moved on though; '…Van Occupanther' was a sometimes ethereal offering, a peek through misted windows at characters distant from reality, but 'The Courage of Others’ is a lot more tangible affair. Although they must be assured by the fact this is their third long player, their previous being much celebrated (and an album securely placed in my own Top Albums List), there seems a fragility to this collection of new material that belies their career success. Here you listen to the honest troubles of an honest man, and although the songs have lost their story-telling element, the resonant harmonies and steady pace procure empathy from the first listen. Album stand-outs 'The Acts of Man', 'Core of Nature’ and the title track, 'Courage of Others' all have the archetypal Midlake wintry front, with a vulnerability that can't help but endear. The songs are simpler, yet have a fullness that grows on you with every play and begs you to be the ear for their concerns.
9/10 Emma Roberts
