Midlake
Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms
30th June, 2010

This was an evening for serious music lovers. With nary a rock pose in sight, these musicians are all about conveying songs and atmosphere. John Grant of The Czars performed his lyrically intense torch-songs to rapt attention (standout being The Queen Of Denmark), before the intellectual Texans, Midlake, charmed the audience with 90 minutes gleaned almost entirely from their last two albums, The Trials Of Van Occupanther and The Courage Of Others. Citing such impeccable influences as early Fairport Convention, Grandaddy and Richard Thompson (to which could be added 70s proggers Camel and Caravan, adepts at integrating the flute), Midlake never patronise their audience. A seven-piece band playing quiet music in a loud environment is always going to be a challenge, but Midlake, expressing undying love for Pompey, pulled it off in an understated manner.