Midlake

The Profile

Midlake is an American indie/folk-psych band from Denton, Texas, formed in 1999. Known for the warm, 70s-leaning The Trials of Van Occupanther and the darker The Courage of Others, they later shifted into the psychedelic textures of Antiphon; subsequent releases include For the Sake of Bethel Woods.

Formed in Denton, Texas in 1999 by musicians from the University of North Texas; early frontman Tim Smith, with guitarist Eric Pulido taking lead from 2013. Best-known song: Roscoe. Albums include Bamnan and Slivercork (2004), The Trials of Van Occupanther (2006), The Courage of Others (2010), Antiphon (2013), and For the Sake of Bethel Woods (2022).

Three DeBaser reviews chart Midlake’s journey from the folk-rock elegance of The Trials of Van Occupanther to the darker, more uniform The Courage of Others and the 60s/70s-tinged Antiphon. Critics highlight rich vocal layers, flute and guitar interplay, and classic prog-folk/psych references. Standout songs like Roscoe and Head Home recur, while Antiphon marks the post–Tim Smith era led by Eric Pulido. Overall reception skews positive, with notes on homogeneity and nostalgia.