Midlake’s anticipated new album finds the group eschewing the Fleetwood Mac leanings of the last record, infusing more British folk influences into their harmony-filled songs. "The Courage of Others" is achingly, gorgeously depressive, a solid match for the bone-numbing cold and gray skies that frequent this season. Somehow, these guys are better off for it though, channeling the hard times of the past 15 months into a bleak, expansive trouble doll of an album.

Whatever sparks of joy that may have illuminated Midlake’s stellar 2007 release The Trials of Van Occupanther – a pristine collection of burnished ‘70s album rock, with soft touches that recalled the glory days of Fleetwood Mac as well as the abstract artiness of Radiohead – have been effectively snuffed out by five engaging little black clouds that follow this Denton, TX outfit wherever they go. The Courage of Others is achingly, gorgeously depressive, a solid match for the bone-numbing cold and gray skies that frequent this season. Not one of these songs perks up, which is somewhat of a feat, given that their last efforts weren’t necessarily the cheeriest records on the block. Somehow, these guys are better off for it, channeling the hard times of the past 15 months into a bleak, expansive trouble doll of an album. Wisely, they steer clear of weepiness, opting instead for romantic gestures not reciprocated, the grandeur of rusting American steel, and good times unfulfilled. Intricate arrangements and immaculate playing do what they can to lift up the chins of this five-piece, but there’s a lot to be said for being able to finish this one out as a work so forlorn. Turn ‘em on, turn ‘em on. Turn on those sad songs.

-Doug Mosurock (February 3, 2010)