If you want histrionics from a band don't see Midlake. If you want strutting, showmanship and flamboyance don't see Midlake. If you want melody after beautiful melody do see Midlake. If you want intelligent, heart warming music do see Midlake. If you gather by this that i enjoyed Midlake last night at the Gaelic Club you would be right. The Texas band put on a superb show, highlighted by their wonderfully crafted songs that were warmly received by the lucky crowd in attendance. They started with the very sweet "It Covers the Hillside" before moving to the sublime "Young Bride". I was also pleased they played 3 tracks from "Bamnan and Slivercork", especially the joyous "Kingfish Pies". The music is certainly dominated by keyboards and singer Tim Smith moved effortlessly from guitar to keyboards through out the set. Of course they played "Roscoe" but i think the highlight was definitely "Branches" which just floored me. Tim returned to do "Chasing After Deer" in the encore which was delivered acoustically. They reminded me in a way of The Shins, in that they basically concentrated on playing the songs, with little banter. And also Tim Smith is similar to James Mercer in this way, master songwriters who seem very immodest of their immense gifts.

Set list- from memory so forgive any mistakes
It Covers the Hillside
Young Bride
In This Camp
Balloon Maker
Kingfish Pies
Some of them are Superstitious
Branches
Van Occupanther
We Gathered in Spring
Roscoe
Bandits
Head Home

encore
Chasing After Deer
You Never Arrived

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MP3: Head Home