Midlake stick to their roots

After four years of writer's block and composer's confusion, Texas-based band, Midlake, has finally released their third full-length album, The Courage of Others. 

While Midlake seemed to have jumped off the deep end, lead singer Tim Smith looked back to familiar places for inspiration while still being motivated to create an album of distinction. Smith has once again incorporated sounds of English folk into the new album. When combined, the fluttering vocals, tambourines, deep guitar, and subtle horns create eleven tracks full of easy listening.

When compared to 2006's The Trials of Van Occupanther, tracks found on The Courage of Others fail to withhold the extreme amount of beauty that previous songs "Roscoe" and "Head Home" so wonderfully portrayed. But even though your jaw won't drop due to the sense of familiarity, there still tends to be an evident sound that is too real for one to deny.

Elements of gloom and heartbreak flood the entire album, while the song's undertones paint images that make you wish you
could break free from the monstrosities of everyday life and hide out in the backwoods with the five lumberjack-esque men.

The album's opener, "Acts of Man" is an excellent example of how surprisingly well put together this band is. Evoking a sound of their own, Smith's vocals are calming and his message is genuine. This is also true within "Rulers, Ruling All Things," where a shadow is cast as the band strums behind Smith – creating an eerie atmosphere that somehow feels safe.

These same characteristics trickle down through the rest of the album, ultimately setting this band and their sound apart from the many folk artists of today. This may not be Midlake's greatest album but the chemistry and passion shared between these men is obvious and deserves to be credited.