Thus far, 2014 has been a much quieter year of shows than the last couple but the quality and intensity of those we’ve carefully chosen has been as good as ever. We’re just about halfway through the year now and to mark the occasion we’re spending the night with Midlake at Open House Festival.
We’ve discovered a stunning new act in tonight’s support Lyla Foy with her almost Americana-country-tinged vocals and crafty songwriting. She strikes a confident pose on stage as has the tracks to back it up. Music so good, we bought a CD.
Midlake are in full flow from the off. No unnecessary posturing or showmanship, just straight in with the hits. The set is understandably heavy on material from ‘Antiphon’ but still laden with crowd pleasers. ‘Rulers Ruling All Things’ dates back to when I first heard the band and yet it sounds fresh with sweeping flute intros before delving deeper into the back catalogue with ‘My Young Bride’ from the ‘Van Occupanther’ days.
There’s a real sense that you could reach out and touch the music tonight. Layered, textured, laid back yet gloriously intense. There are sleigh bells, intricate percussion, swirling distortions of keys, synths, strings and guitar. It’s not indie, nor folk, nor country, nor rock. It’s just, well it’s Midlake.
Music aside the band are in great spirits. ‘Antiphon’ is preluded with tales of supporting the victorious US soccer team in the World Cup, jogging around Belfast city centre parks and shaking off hangovers visiting Egyptian mummies in the local museum. There remain stunning renditions of ‘We gathered in Spring’ and ‘The Old and the Young’ and even the slightest tease of a Radiohead cover but the natural sing along highlight is ‘Roscoe’, a firm fan favourite and clearly a track the band enjoy as much as the rest of us.
The pretension of an encore is done away with. Things tonight are kept simple and real and while the city around the venue struggles with all its conflicting identities, a cover of Bob Dylan’s ‘I Shall Be Released’ is possibly as fitting now as it ever was. Heading home to the fading sounds of ‘Head Home’, it’s been another truly memorable night in the Mandela Hall. Whiskey drinking with the band is rainchecked until next time. Here’s hoping it’s not too far away!
Buy ‘Antiphon’