Band: Midlake
Release: 2/2010
Label: Bella Union/V2

1. “Acts of Man” – B-
2. “Winter Dies” – C+
3. “Small Mountain” – C
4. “Core of Nature” – C-
5. “Fortune” – B
6. “Rulers, Ruling All Things” – C+
7. “Children of the Grounds” – A-
8. “Bring Down” – C-
9. “The Horn” – C-
10. “The Courage of Others” – C
11. “In the Ground” – C

Comments: This is my first “official” experience with what they call progressive folk. All I can think of is Pink Floyd and Bob Dylan when I hear those two words. Actually listening to this record, it’s more than just folk. It has more sound and finish than what I’ve traditionally regarded as folk. Despite that, it can be a pretty boring thing. “Fortune” is pretty good until it ends in a flash. This is going to sound messed up, but I think the band should go full folk. Cut the prog shit and just go full folk. Something like Sunset Rubdown.  It’s pretty clear when they make their best attempt at this (“Children of the Grounds”) and when they don’t (“Core of Nature”).

Grade: C (76)