Midlake – St. George’s Church – 27th Febuaray 2014

After Smith left Midlake, towards the end of making the album, the band toughed it out, started the recording process from scratch, and released Antiphon, a triumph for the band, and one that is perhaps their best to date. While the UK is where it really happened for the band and tonight’s show is part of an important tour for them as they attempt to fully recover their poise as a live band.
Tonight’s sold out gig (it could have sold twice as many) in the gorgeous environment of St. George’s Church, is a bit of a home from home affair. Brighton has always treated these Texans well, and they reciprocate the love with a well played set, beginning with two of the highlights from the last album, ‘Ages’ and the title track itself. Helped along by an excellent light show, and their eerily spot on harmonies, it’s perhaps no surprise that we get an extended ‘thank you and why we do this thing called music? It’s all about love…’ interlude which goes down well within the spiritual confines of the church…
There does however seem to be more vocal harmonies in their recent work, more guitar wig-outs and the odd appearance of the flute – pastoral psychedelia has taken more of a hold in general, but the music is still generally gentle, undulating, subtly complex, particularly the vocal harmonies.
Although Antiphon bears no discernible trace of Smith, they aren’t so daft as to deny the audience some of the better moments on The Trials of… and follow up album The Courage of Others, including their best known track ‘Roscoe’ before finishing off with the truly lovely ‘The Old & The Young’, a highlight from Antiphon.
Although at times it can feel a little one-paced, a little underwhelming, and the lyrics are at times impenetrable (completely so in the live arena), overall Midlake deserve all the plaudits they get, and are probably scratching their heads wondering how they turned from the Texas-based, jazz orientated Cornbread All-Stars to this, a cult favourite around the globe? Could there actually be someone smiling down on them?
Jeff Hemmings
Website: www.midlake.net