Very welcome fifth LP from the Texas folk-rockers after nine-year gap, again with Eric Pulido taking on lead vocals, but a more settled sound than 2013’s Antiphon, and a dedication to the deceased father of keyboardist and flautist Jesse Chandler. His father attended Woodstock in 1969 at the age of 16, and was an inspiration for getting the band back together. Themes include loss, hope, isolation, communion, and the cessation and renewal of purpose, in a smooth, melancholy, but stirring sound, with a tighter sense of playing together than on Antiphon after the departure of frontman Tim Smith. The lead single Bethel Woods is a standout and a previous Song of the Day, and the presence of St Vincent’s and Sharon Van Etten’s producer John Congleton seems to have shored up the coherence and style of the band but still bringing variety to the mystical folk rock style. Other standouts include Glistening, Feast Of Carrion, Gone, and Of Desire. The Trials of Van Occupanther it isn’t, but still nevertheless great to see Midlake returning and in fine flow. Out on Bella Union.
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