The Trials of Van Occupanther

Released in 2006, The Trials of Van Occupanther marked a radical departure for Midlake, moving away from the lo-fi psych-pop of their debut toward a highly disciplined, 1970s-influenced folk rock sound. Recorded in their home studio in Denton, Texas, the album is a conceptual triumph, centered around the titular character Van Occupanther and a cast of mountaineers and villagers. The record is famous for its 'wood-paneled' sonic palette, achieved through obsessive attention to vintage gear and vocal layering. It became a cornerstone of the mid-2000s indie folk movement, though it stood apart due to its soft-rock influences (Bread, America) which were unfashionable at the time. The album received widespread critical acclaim, particularly in the UK, and solidified Tim Smith's reputation as a singular, albeit reclusive, songwriting talent before his eventual departure from the band.