MIDLAKE
The Courage Of Others (Bella Union 2010)
I have been looking forward to this album (the follow-up to 2006’s The Trials Of Van Occupanther) for quite some time. After reading several recent interviews where the band have professed their love of Fairport Convention, Pentangle and other luminaries of 1970’s British folk, my anticipation was certainly heightened.
Laden with acoustic guitars, beautiful harmonies and guitar playing reminiscent of the great Richard Thompson, this album is simply stunning. I would go as far as to say it’s the best record I have heard in three or four years. There are no weak tracks whatsoever. The level of musicianship has been raised to a higher degree and the quality of songwriting is unusually high. Tracks such as the opener ‘Acts Of Man’ and the epic ‘Rulers Ruling All Things’ sound like no other band recording today. The chord structures and pastoral feel of the songs certainly evoke memories of Fairport’s classic Full House and elements of early King Crimson.
This record will be adorning my turntable for quite some time this year. And way beyond.
For sound clips of this album check out: http://midlake.net/blog
