I was introduced to Midlake through my dear dear friend Mr. Michael Lowery, and since that introduction, I have been hooked.

In the so oft ignored realm of alternative soft rock, Midlake wants people to be aware that the genre isn't all bad. The Trials of Van Occupanther places itself in the head of an imaginary 19th-century hermit. This essentially creates and opportunity for vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Tim Smith to ponder everything from unrequited love to the environment. The songs are so different, and deliver an almost hallucinatory mix of instruments (pianos, horns, guitars). I honestly think this will end up being considered one of the best albums of the year.