Pullin’ ‘Tubes | Midlake Survives Departure Of Lead Singer

Pullin’ ‘Tubes is a regular JamBase column penned by Jeffrey Greenblatt in which he profiles a band using one of their videos as an example of what they’re about.

A funny thing happened to Midlake as they were in the midst of recording their third studio album – their lead singer and principal songwriter Tim Smith decided to quit. The Denton, TX-based band were two years into recording the follow-up to 2010’s The Courage of Others, when Smith informed his bandmates of his decision, asking that they not use any of the material they had been working on throughout the lengthy process. Left to start over from scratch the remaining band members went back to the drawing board, and wrote and recorded a new album in just a six month span.

Earlier this month the reconstituted band, which now includes members from their last touring incarnation, released their fourth studio effort and debut for ATO Records – Antiphon. Titled for a call-and-response style of singing originally associated with Gregorian chants, the ten-track record maintains their distinct 1970’s vibe, but instead of drawing influence from Fleetwood Mac and British folk-rock bands they look towards the era’s acid-drenched rock acts.

Now fronted by guitarist Eric Pulido, who has taken over the lead singer duties, Midlake’s latest is awash in swirling, layered psychedelia reminiscent of Pink Floyd’s early 1970’s output. On December 4, the band will kick of a lengthy world at the Old Rock Horse in St. Louis, MO and have recently released the music video for the album’s title-track lead single.

Let’s check it out:

Written By: Jeffrey Greenblatt