For the sake of Bethel Woods

"Together since 1999, Midlake has cycled through a number of unique phases from the eclectic pseudo-psychedelia of their 2004 debut on through the lush folk-rock of 2006's The Trials of Van Occupanther and 2010's British folk-inspired The Courage of Others. Re-emerging after a nine-year gap, their fifth album, For the Sake of Bethel Woods, retains some of the progressive experimentation of its predecessor without losing sight of its sturdy core of songs ... Their harmony-rich blend and talent for dynamic arrangements are as engaging as ever".

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"Led by [guitarist Eric] Pulido's breathy vocals, the album sticks with a balanced, wistful mood somewhere between atmospheric rock and rust-colored folk. A recurrent nod to understated funk and sporadic prog influences sauté in unassuming psychedelia. It takes a few spins for the tunes to register as some seem more like provocative set pieces than songs. But once they do, the thoughtful lyrics and sometimes diffuse sonics kick in. Between the concepts and soundscape, there is plenty to chew on. The professionalism and classy production (by John Congleton) create Midlake's sense of camaraderie, mystery, and imagination. It's an impressive return for a band many assumed might not reappear".

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"Together since 1999, Midlake has cycled through a number of unique phases from the eclectic pseudo-psychedelia of their 2004 debut on through the lush folk-rock of 2006's The Trials of Van Occupanther and 2010's British folk-inspired The Courage of Others. Re-emerging after a nine-year gap, their fifth album, For the Sake of Bethel Woods, retains some of the progressive experimentation of its predecessor without losing sight of its sturdy core of songs ... Their harmony-rich blend and talent for dynamic arrangements are as engaging as ever".

Read review

"Led by [guitarist Eric] Pulido's breathy vocals, the album sticks with a balanced, wistful mood somewhere between atmospheric rock and rust-colored folk. A recurrent nod to understated funk and sporadic prog influences sauté in unassuming psychedelia. It takes a few spins for the tunes to register as some seem more like provocative set pieces than songs. But once they do, the thoughtful lyrics and sometimes diffuse sonics kick in. Between the concepts and soundscape, there is plenty to chew on. The professionalism and classy production (by John Congleton) create Midlake's sense of camaraderie, mystery, and imagination. It's an impressive return for a band many assumed might not reappear".

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"Texan folk rockers return in leaner, more dynamic form: 'For The Sake Of Bethel Woods' sees them cutting back on the layered instrumentation and heavily detailed arrangement and lending some songs a new rhythmic muscularity ... It secures Midlake's future with small yet significant shifts that haven't erased their identity. Not deeper waters, necessarily - but runnig clearer and on a nedly energised course".

"Texan folk rockers return in leaner, more dynamic form: 'For The Sake Of Bethel Woods' sees them cutting back on the layered instrumentation and heavily detailed arrangement and lending some songs a new rhythmic muscularity ... It secures Midlake's future with small yet significant shifts that haven't erased their identity. Not deeper waters, necessarily - but runnig clearer and on a nedly energised course".