THE COURAGE OF OTHERS

This was Midlake's third album that followed four years after "The Trials Of Van Occupanther". It's a much stronger work over all. And this time there's an overwhelming influence of English folk rock. For those who have enjoyed works by Fairport Convention, Pentangle or Nick Drake, this ought to sound like a wonderful prospect, and it really is wonderful coming from this band. This album shouldn't disappoint lovers of early progressive folk, especially with such tracks like "Acts Of Man" and "Winter Dies". The melodies leave a deep impression and Tim Smith's vocals along with the harmonizing sometimes give me goosebumps, no more than the opening to the chorus of "Core of Nature" - 'Into the core of nature, No earthly mind can enter' which is a line from a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. There's more flute work on this album too and the very atmospheric solo on "Rulers, Ruling All Things" feels like a friendly nod to some early Moody Blues pieces. If you compare this to "Trials", with its use of more electric guitars and keyboards, this has a more early 70's feel, and it is really a different experience. It's only a pity that like with most band's these days, we often have to wait a few years between album releases. Still, with music this great it's better late than never! Keep listening to this album, it will grow on you more and more. Four solid stars.