Midlake, Bella Union (01/02/10)

Music reviewing rule #1: Don’t write in the first person.

But I can’t help it with this one. I need to tell you how I feel about this perfect, perfect band and their new perfect, perfect record. Be warned, there are plenty more superlatives ahead.

The omni-bearded Midlake, creators of the best album I have ever heard, The Trails Of Van Occupanther, have returned after a ridiculously prolonged wait (I was told to expect this at the beginning of last year) with The Courage Of Others. As my finger hovered over the play button, I couldn’t remember an album I’d been as excited about since Nirvana with In Utero, over 15 years ago. Thankfully, I wasn’t about to be disappointed.

The Courage of Others is a slower paced, darker feeling record, but still has that uplifting, empowering overall effect. Think Radiohead on The Bends in terms of the emotions it promotes, rather than its musical nuances. The keyboards are all but gone, the guitars less driving and the flute more apparent. Instantly, the haunting nature grabs you.

In recent interviews, the band has revealed they have been listening to a lot of British folk music and the influence is certainly apparent. There’s some very Fairport Convention moments from the off. This is moving, affecting stuff. Radiohead with beards.

Stand out songs are difficult to isolate. There are no weak tracks. The deliciously warm and surprisingly brief Fortune is up there, as is the self-effacing and envious title track The Courage of Others. There’s no Roscoe (best song of the noughties?) on the record though, it’s an album that will take a few more listens to really get in to.

If you’re already a Midlake fan you’ll have been anticipating this for some time, if not (I’m so jealous that you still have this beautiful band to get in to) buy this and Van Occupanther and lock yourself up for a month.

If there was a band meant for a bitter winter, it’s Midlake. And not just because of their face warming beards.

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