The departure of a lead vocalist always marks an interesting turning point for a group, but it’s rare that the change is a positive one. In the event this happens and the band pushes on with a new vocalist, there is the option of putting the emphasis squarely on the band’s core sound or taking the opportunity to change things up with a fresh new direction.
Antiphon is the first release from Midlake since the departure of singer Tim Smith. Guitarist Eric Pulido has stepped forward for lead vocalist duties and is a solid replacement for Smith. The music is a backtracking to the amiable folk-rock of the band’s earlier work and, whilst there’s no Roscoe, it’s an improvement on 2010’s meandering The Courage Of Others.
In re-recording a set of compositions from the original sessions with Smith, Midlake Mark 2 have opted to stay true to their sound, so there’s little that surprises or engages on Antiphon. The Old And The Young nudges you along with its singalong dad-rock chorus and songs like the title track and Aurora Gone attempt to play with dynamics in their gradual build-ups. But, tellingly, the best song is the arousing instrumental, Vale.
With a new lineup now established, the band should give themselves some space to evolve and develop in their own right. Pulido’s vocal fits right in with the Midlake sound, but it’s a sound that’s in danger of becoming stale.
BY CHRIS GIRDLER
Best Track: Vale
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: Poor Moon POOR MOON, A Momentary Lapse of Reason PINK FLOYD
In A Word: Middling
