For The Sake Of Bethel Woods. Midlake

Eight years of silence. Somewhere in between a message the band would never come together again. Allegedly it took a dream to bring Midlake back together. After eight years it is justified to state that For The Sake Of Bethel Woods is a comeback album. Now these kind of albums are not always a success. How does Midlake fare in 2022?

After a few listening sessions, I do not mind sharing with you that For The Sake Of Bethel Woods is an album that I want to own. The kind I will play for quite some time to come, something that hasn't happened to me with Midlake since 'The Trials Of Van Occupanther', my introduction to Midlake, opening with 'Roscoe', of course, without a doubt my favourite Midlake song.

In 2022 that position is challenged. After the short opening song, 'Commune', 'Bethel Woods' comes by. A song made up out of the same sort of drive, almost passive aggressive. The softest kind of rock song possible, a song defining what Midlake stands for as a band.

Midlake formed in 1999 in Denton, Texas. After some line-up changes the band found its form and started releasing records. Despite being around for nearly a quarter of a century, it has only released its fifth album with For The Sake Of Bethel Woods. In a way, even that is special, as the band's singer and principal songwriter Tim Smith left the band in 2012, after which the band released 'Antiphone' in 2013 without Smith; and then silence.

No longer. With For The Sake Of Bethel Woods Midlake returns in the best of forms. The soft side of the band is always present. The singing and playing has a dreamy quality, taking the listener to another reality, as it were. The music is influenced most by West Coast bands and artists of the 70s, with a slight touch of jazz, like David Crosby holds within his music as well. Add a pop element to this mix and Midlake emerges. In other words, expect beautiful harmonies and intricate arrangements.

'Feast Of Carrion' may provide the best example of how beautiful a Midlake song can be. The song plays itself out in a majestic way. Out of the blue a new instrument can pop up, playing an intricate melody, weaving itself into what is already there. I stick with the passive aggressive description. The dreamy side of Midlake is passive, yet the song holds an inner strength suggesting something totally different. Compare that to the next song, 'Noble' and you will know what I mean instantly, as that song is purely passive (and lasts a little too long).

In a few days it is impossible to completely relate to a new album. In other words, 'The Trials Of van Occupanther' remains my favourite Midlake album; for now. The fact that I'm writing these words means that For The Sake Of Bethel Woods has stirred my brain into thinking this position might change. There are so many songs that I simply like a lot on it. Like 'Gone' with its freaky ending and strong bass parts. Midlake explores its inner Beatle here for sure and successfully. Time will tell where For The Sake Of Bethel Woods and I will end up. Fact is 2022 has yielded another good album, from an older act. The fact that I'm writing this, is also a bit shocking. Midlake is one of the newer bands I like, but is around for quite sometime as well.

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