Antiphon
by Midlake
  • Record Label: ATO
  • Release Date: Nov 5, 2013
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
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  1. AllMusic
    Nov 4, 2013
    80
    To be fair, the band still sounds like they could break into "Breathe" at any moment, but there's a sense of adventure and a vulnerability to Antiphon that suggests that this latest incarnation of the group is more interested in what's beyond the Dark Side of the Moon than it is standing in its shadow.
  2. PopMatters
    Nov 14, 2013
    70
    The most effective songs on Antiphon are those that one-up the band’s former approach with confidence, skill and purpose.
  3. Uncut
    Oct 31, 2013
    80
    It might just grow into an even better record than The Courage Of Others, as one get used to the way it replaces Smith's precision and popcraft with the new Midlake's love of digression and sonic adventure. [Dec 2013, p.62]
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  5. Mojo
    Nov 21, 2013
    80
    On Antiphon, Midlake sound like a band unburdened and read to fly. [Dec 2013, p.82]
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  6. Q Magazine
    Nov 21, 2013
    80
    These Texans stick to the plan: the concoction of very wonderful thinking-dudes' rock albums, recycling yesteryear's classic vinyl. [Dec 2013, p.110]
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  7. musicOMH.com
    Oct 30, 2013
    70
    There are still creases to iron out, but Antiphon marks a significant step as Midlake move on to the next phase of their career.
  8. The Guardian
    Oct 31, 2013
    80
    Paul Alexander's detailed bass and McKenzie Smith's pattering drums bring definition and muscularity: The Old and the Young and the title track are bolder for it.
  9. Drowned In Sound
    Oct 30, 2013
    70
    Is it Pulido? The absence of Smith? The third act crawl? In truth, all play a damaging part. Despite these irks, Antiphon is everything that it needs to be; a new beginning, loaded with promise. That's enough for now.
  10. The Line of Best Fit
    Oct 30, 2013
    65
    If Midlake seemed to have lost their sense of fun on The Courage of Others, though, they’ve certainly rediscovered it on Antiphon. Even in its flatter moments, at least the band themselves sound like they’re enjoying it.
  11. Consequence
    Nov 4, 2013
    70
    While we’ll likely see the direction in which Tim Smith wanted to take the band on his forthcoming collection of songs under the moniker Harp, Midlake has made a strong statement with Antiphon, quelling the doubts surrounding Smith’s departure.
  12. Clash Music
    Nov 6, 2013
    90
    Antiphon is going to divide opinion, but give it a chance--it might just be the best thing they’ve ever done.
  13. Alternative Press
    Oct 31, 2013
    80
    In the end, Antiphon feels like it should be enjoyed in one piece, preferably wearing headphones. [Dec 2013, p.98]
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  14. The Observer (UK)
    Nov 4, 2013
    80
    Despite the undercurrents of melancholia, Antiphon is another impeccably realised meld of bucolic 70s folk and radio-friendly soft rock, as warm and assured as it is adventurous.
  15. The Independent (UK)
    Nov 1, 2013
    80
    It's far from a perfect album--there's a ponderous solemnity to "Ages", and Pulido so far lacks Smith's compelling, visionary focus--but Antiphon extends the band's engaging, mysterious charm.
  16. Classic Rock Magazine
    Dec 6, 2013
    80
    Here they're more rock than folk--or, to be exact, more prog than folk, extending the jams and minimising the survivalist backwoodsman imagery for more obtuse bong-flavoured lyrics. [Dec 2013, p.103]
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  17. American Songwriter
    Nov 5, 2013
    70
    Their apparent lack of restraint more often translates to ridiculous indulgence.... Antiphon is, however, an impressively executed album, and a true feat of musicianship in a genre that is more typically driven by songwriters lacking technical ability.
  18. Blurt Magazine
    Nov 14, 2013
    80
    The strong creative flow guiding this record indicates that the band’s artistic direction wasn’t solely the vision of Smith.
  19. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Nov 4, 2013
    80
    Happily, beardy-weirdy Texas psych-folkies Midlake manage to weather Tim Smith’s split with no pinch in purpose or progress.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 22
  3. Negative: 2 out of 22
  1. atph99
    Dec 11, 2013
    10
    This is Midlake's best work, and that says a lot. It still has that "Midlake sound" with the old time lyrics and tons of harmonies but it'sThis is Midlake's best work, and that says a lot. It still has that "Midlake sound" with the old time lyrics and tons of harmonies but it's even better than the Courage of Others or Trials of Van Occupather. The swirling synths, reverbed out vocals, ridiculous drums will swoon you over after one listen. If you like Midlake or not this album must be listened to immediately.… Full Review »
  2. Slowave
    Nov 10, 2013
    7
    While there isn't any "Roscoe" on here, and the emotional croons of Tim Smith are definitely missed, it doesn't take long for this album toWhile there isn't any "Roscoe" on here, and the emotional croons of Tim Smith are definitely missed, it doesn't take long for this album to make more of an impression than "Courage of Others" did. While it does, at times, end up feeling a bit repetitive and slogged down in the same sounding rut, that rut is much more interesting and open to variety and moodiness. There are a few stand out songs on here, and it often feels like an album that the Fleet Foxes would put out after two weeks in the studio. Not a bad thing, really. Very decent album, but not likely to maintain a spot in your car CD player for more than a few weeks.… Full Review »
  3. yannbgiraud
    Nov 10, 2013
    6
    Following the departure of bandleader Tim Smith, the band tries to expand its sound and refine its soft-rock approach. Unfortunately, whileFollowing the departure of bandleader Tim Smith, the band tries to expand its sound and refine its soft-rock approach. Unfortunately, while the musicianship is top-notch from start to finish, you can't escape thinking that there is a lack of real songs. Most of the pieces here sound more like barely organized jams than full-fledged compositions. There is a feeling that the band had taken real pleasure in doing it but they need to be more serious about songwriting next time.… Full Review »
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