The Trials Of Van Occupanther
by Midlake
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Delusions of Adequacy
    60
    So while the subdued vocal harmonies and acoustic folk influences of 70s pop bands Chicago and America can be heard, there is enough intricately layered dream-pop floating around the fleshed-out orchestrations to keep indie-rock fans contented.
  2. Q Magazine
    60
    Smooth and intermittently sublime it may be, but their previous weirdness is much missed. [Jun 2006, p.117]
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  3. Tiny Mix Tapes
    40
    A painful disappointment.
  5. NOW Magazine
    60
    The uniformity of song structure, tone and tempo, though initially captivating, soon becomes monotonous.

Awards & Rankings

100
#100 Best Album of 2006
61
#61 Most Shared Album of 2006

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 42 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 42
  3. Negative: 3 out of 42
  1. Mmmiiikkkkk
    Jul 4, 2015
    9
    The true beginning of the West Coast singer/songwriter movement of the last five years. Warm, beautiful and perfectly produced (by the band.)The true beginning of the West Coast singer/songwriter movement of the last five years. Warm, beautiful and perfectly produced (by the band.) The songs fade wonderfully into each other creating a song cycle about love, loss and how that loss colors everything around it.… Full Review »
  2. YokoMVB
    Nov 1, 2012
    10
    As I write this review it has been six years since I bought this album. It has yet to lose its appeal. A better album has not been made in theAs I write this review it has been six years since I bought this album. It has yet to lose its appeal. A better album has not been made in the those six years. It is a little known, yet classic album.… Full Review »
  3. Ricko
    Feb 27, 2012
    8
    trials 8
    It's folk/rock but Midlake sound pretty different to almost everyone else around the place at the moment. This record reminds me a    trials 8
    It's folk/rock but Midlake sound pretty different to almost everyone else around the place at the moment. This record reminds me a little of Fleetwood Mac, kind of a 70's rock vibe off it. This is a record full of really strong songwriting, you can hear a lot of work has gone into the process of constructing the songs. It's my favourite Midlake record by a long way. "Young Bride" and "Branches" are at the centre of the album and are the highlights for me.    … Full Review »
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