Astropsychosis
Bella Union
2018
Rating: 7 bastard scents out of 10
Two Medicine is the solo effort of Midlake bassist Paul Alexander, wherein he also employed the help of pretty much every other Midlake member for bits and pieces. I want everyone to brace themselves, but the result sounds like…a Midlake record. Shocking, I know. It’s maybe a little mellower and not quite as, well, “folk prog” as Midlake can get sometimes, but if you told me this was the new Midlake record I doubt many people would bat an eye.
Here are some things I think about all of this that I don’t feel like making into a proper paragraphs:
1. “Will Not” and “Voice” are the highlights – I particularly like the synth vibe to “Will Not,” reminds me a lot of the Mary Onettes.
2. The record is…pretty good. I fear it’s one of those that you’ll enjoy plenty while you’re listening, but you totally forget about later. You could probably say that about most Midlake to be fair…
3. …Except for “The Trials Of Van Occupanther,” which is one of the very best records of the entire first decade of this century.
4. I still have no idea what or who a Van Occupanther is and I’ve listened to that album 5000 times. I’d like to think it’s a big cat that’s taken up residence in your vehicle ala the scene in “Talladega Nights” when Ricky Bobby is learning how to drive again.
5. In case you don’t know, Two Medicine is a lake in Glacier National Park, which might be the greatest national park after Yosemite. Holy shit that place is beautiful. Even on an overcast day it looks amazing – the below pic is from our visit there a couple of years ago. Must go back again.
