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. Austin Chronicle
    Jan 30, 2014
    50
    Antiphon offers a band regrouping but still searching for distinct direction.
  2. DIY Magazine
    Oct 30, 2013
    60
    At times it gets a little too gentle, the warm soup of instruments and Pulidio’s soothing voice blending together into a indistinguishable slush, but when it holds together it’s a pleasant trip.
  3. No Ripcord
    Jan 13, 2014
    60
    The tempos vary, sort of, but there’s a mood on this record that’s hard to qualify and never wavers.
  5. Pitchfork
    Nov 4, 2013
    60
    Antiphon is still a likeable, pleasant listen that will always wait for you by the hearth after a long day. But for a “forget everything you know about Midlake!” album, it's almost exactly how you remember them.
  6. Under The Radar
    Nov 20, 2013
    55
    Everything feels uncertain, as though the band is looking to move forward onto something a bit more shoegaze but unwilling to part from the influence of Fairport Convention, and as such is a little confused.

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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