In House #1669: Midlake's The Trials of Van Occupanther; New Kite Flying Society

Denton, Texas quintet Midlake are something of a strange animal. We'll call them "indie rock" just to make things easy, but their music draws comparisons to contemporaries like Radiohead and the Flaming Lips, as well as vintage acts like Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, and the Electric Light Orchestra-- not necessarily names hipsters are accustomed to bandying about. Despite the old influences, fewer releases this year have sounded fresher, and the buzz for The Trials of Van Occupanther has been spreading since the release of the lead single, "Roscoe," back in March. The album is littered with transporting tunes, with numbers like "Young Bride," "We Gathered in Spring," and the aforementioned "Roscoe," achieving a level at once timeless and eerie. Elsewhere, "It Covers the Hillside," and "Chasing After Deer," suggest an additional, pastoral element, evoking the likes of the Incredible String Band and even Fairport Convention. It all adds up to a startlingly gorgeous album likely to make a reappearance when the Best-of-2006 lists emerge at the end of the year. The Trials of Van Occupanther saw its U.S. release date today on Bella Union.

Midlake

In House #1669.
Airdate: 7/25/06
Focus: New release from Midlake, The Trials of Van Occupanther, plus new music from Kite Flying Society, Earlimart, Essex Green and more.

BONUS MP3s-
Midlake, from The Trials of Van Occupanther:
"Roscoe" (MP3) and "Young Bride (Cassettes Won't Listen Remix)" (MP3)

Last Town Chrous, from Wire Waltz:
"Modern Love" (MP3) (David Bowie cover)

BONUS Video-
Midlake's "Young Bride" (click arrow to view)


PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #144