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MIDLAKE
"The Trials of Van Occupanther is now one of the most important modern records I own. In an age of overly-used
irony and disconnected nonchalance, this record actually
means something, and Midlake should be forever hailed for
their unique and genuine approach to music. Simply put,
Van Occupanther has backbone, and the fact that you don't
feel cheated by it gives one hope that sincerity can still exist
within modern alternative music."
Jason Lee, Star of My Name is Earl and Midlake Cohort
Every once in a while, a band comes along that undoubtedly evokes something special. You don’t know what the elusive ingredient is, but you are certain that they belong set apart from amongst the crowd of musical peers in which they lay. You quickly find yourself coming to the foregone conclusion that such a band’s music is to be revered and will remain relevant for some time to come. Midlake embodies this idealism in the hearts of many already and continues to adopt more and more believers today.
Midlake formed in the small, quirky Texas town of Denton. There, the five diligent musicians toiled to create a sound that was both pleasing and of their own. They were soon discovered by Bella Union Records owner Cocteau Twins bassist, Simon Raymonde. Simon fell deeply in love with the band, and together they began to cultivate a relationship focused on sharing Midlake’s music with the world. The band worked continuously day and night to create what would become their debut album, a work of incredible vision, talent, dedication and eccentricity: ‘Bamnan and Slivercork’.
Released in June of 2004, ‘Bamnan and Slivercork’ became a instant favorite of critics and fans worldwide. After a series of touring stints, both domestic and abroad, Midlake rapidly found themselves embraced by a much larger fan base than ever before. One notable member of this fan base is skateboarding legend turned actor, Jason Lee (My Name is Earl, Mallrats, Almost Famous, etc.). Jason joined forces with Midlake as a huge supporter, promoter, and collaborator, even directing and filming a video for their single, ‘Balloon Maker’.
Midlake then retreated home to begin work on their next musical venture. With a desire to reach deeper within and accomplish something even stronger than before, Midlake’s determined efforts produced ‘The Trials of Van Occupanther’. Tim Smith, Singer/Songwriter for Midlake says, “Compared to Bamnan and Slivercork, this album uses less keyboards in favor of acoustic guitar, piano, more vocals and electric guitar. The sound is something more related to 70’s folk rock but not in a gimmicky way, hopefully. I have a great affinity for those bands from the 70’s, the music just seems to move me more. So when writing this album of course those sounds came out in the music.”
The album, released in the summer of 2006, was greatly received and saw the band reach new heights like never before. On the strength of songs like 'Roscoe', 'Head Home', and 'Young Bride', along with a live show that left audiences worldwide in awe, Midlake continued to grow and establish themselves as an important band of our time.
Now with the completion of their third studio album nearing, tentatively titled 'The Courage of Others', Midlake is sure to deliver an album that will merit the high anticipation and expectations that continues to be showered upon them.
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