A good warm up for day 3
Midlake hail from Texas, but have been causing a stir in the music press in the UK already in 2006, drawing comparisons to Mercury Rev, Flaming Lips and Radiohead.
The band opened the XFM Stage on day three of the O2 Wireless Festival, and pulled a significant crowd to watch them perform their melodic brand of indie rock.
In fact there's much more to them than that tag. Their's was a set that mixed energetic, bouncy, alternative rock, lighter in the air softer moments, and warm summer songs that could be labeled as having a country feel to them. There was even a point when it seemed they'd been influenced by the 'Mash' theme tune.
Surrounded by banks of keyboards, Tim Smith gives a strong, powerful vocal performance. There is no noticeable floor or weakness, no matter the style and pace of the song.
They got day three off to an excellent start. Nothing too complicated, with a warmth running throughout the set which ensured those watching were put in a fine mood. For this reason they'd make for a winning support band choice, I can see them going down well opening for somebody like Snow Patrol.
Midlake have a number of UK dates over the next few weeks, in support of album 'The Trials of Van Occupanther'. For me they're a band well worth a look.