Name: The Trials of Van Occupanther
Brand: Midlake

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

bellacd117

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Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2015-01-06

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

PIAS

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

5033197392523

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Total Cap

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Midlake

Genre GB

Alternative / Modern

Label GB

Bella Union

Bella Union is a UK label that has been run by Simon Raymonde, former member of Cocteau Twins, since 1997. With a focus on discovering new talent, Bella Union has introduced the world to bands such as Fleet Foxes, Beach House, Lanterns on The Lake, I Break Horses, Ballet School, and Midlake. As a ℗ & © coyright holding entity, Bella Union continues to be at the forefront of the music industry.

Midlake is an American folk rock band hailing from Denton, Texas. With their formation in 1999, they have been captivating audiences with their unique sound and soulful lyrics. Their music combines elements of folk, rock, and Americana to create a truly distinctive style. Midlake's heartfelt performances and melodic tunes have garnered them a dedicated fan base around the world.
Since their inception, Midlake has released several critically acclaimed albums that showcase their musical prowess and storytelling abilities. Their songs are filled with introspective themes and thought-provoking lyrics that resonate with listeners on a deep level.
With each album release, Midlake continues to push boundaries and evolve as artists. Their dedication to creating authentic music shines through in every note they play. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to their sound, experiencing Midlake's music is sure to be an unforgettable journey.

Midlake's second album is a departure from their lo-fi, psychedelic pop-influenced debut. The Trials of Van Occupanther jumps with both feet into the '70s of Laurel Canyon troubadours and soft rock balladeers. It jumps like Bob Beamon right past any other current bands treading similar ground and jumps back into time, becoming one of the best examples of the sound and style you'll ever hear, date of release notwithstanding. The first thing you notice on the album is the stunning vocal harmonies; you might think you dropped in an America disc by mistake. (The best record America ever did, that is.) Tim Smith has the kind of voice you know could be a glass-shattering instrument on par with that of Buckley or Wainwright, but he keeps it dialed down to an intimate scale, which is a wise decision. His vocals bleed melancholy honesty, and the way it combines with Eric Pulido's voice will raise goose bumps. The arrangements provide a perfect bed for the vocals, with cottony layers of acoustic guitars and strings, gentle horns, restrained drums, and lyrical piano combining beautifully. The occasional surprises are effective, especially when they use some of the corniest synth sounds heard since Jan Hammer unstrapped his keytar for the last time, on "We Gathered in Spring" and "It Covers the Hillside." All of which is nice but isn't worth much without songs. Fortunately, Midlake writes unerringly tuneful melodies and thoughtful lyrics about topics other than love and introspection, and lays down plenty of gentle hooks. Nothing that you'll be singing in the shower for days at a time, but each song goes down smoothly and they add up to make The Trials of Van Occupanther a very pleasant, maybe even exciting in a restrained way, listening experience. You'll certainly find yourself reaching for it more often than you might expect; indeed, it has lasting power that many records that sound so good on first listen lack. Midlake might be stuck in the '70s, but they make it sound like the best place on earth.

The Trials of Van Occupanther

Music GB