Trials Of Van Occupanther [VINYL]

Listening to the whole CD feels like being part of some pagan alternative society (It always reminds me of "The Whicker Man" but obviously more benign than that). Generally this album seems to be about a community trying to live out an alternative, simpler existence. Or perhaps just groups of disparate people living on the edges of society. Van Occupanther seems to be the community eccentric "scientist" working on something which we never get details of but which is obviously very important to him and is subject to the ridicule of those around him. This is perhaps significant in that the characters in all the songs of the album would suffer similar ridicule by members of our society and therefore it forms an intrinsic part of that bigger picture. The above makes The Trials sound like a concept album which I suppose in a way it is, although each track has its own identity.

Thank you 6Music for playing an un-remembered Midlake track on a wet Saturday afternoon and then describing it at 'jauntily sombre' - I had to buy into Midlake and I is now hooked. They're refreshing, different, and accomplished. To describe their sound I'd add Bread to the list of variants mentioned by other reviewers, but although one described it as indie/folk, don't let the folk part of that turn you off. Four stars because they're full of promise. I only hope I don't tire of listening.

Bought this album on a whim. Glad I did.

This is their finest work I feel. A great collection of thoughtful, haunting pieces in a most original style - there is no other band quite like Midlake.

I like albums with light and shade, with plenty going on -like a stir fry -lots of different flavours. The Midlake album "The trials of Van Occupanther" has lots of harmonies and grows on me each time I play it. I saw them on the Later with Jools Holland program and was struck by their harmonies and mellow music. I love this album

By far their best album. I listened to this lots, some really original and beautifully crafted recordings. They have their own sound. Buy it !

Amazing band

great bit was a gift