There are few albums that are able to transcend time and place whilst still remaining seemingly effortless in their execution. Kid A seems to manage it, Heartbreaker acheives it gracefully. Midlakes The Trials Of Van Occupanther is a work which has the listener completely disorientated in the most wonderful possible way. It is perhaps the American-ness of the album which is so romantic, or perhaps the evocation of an unspoilt country transports us to somewhere other than where we are.
Whatever the reasoning, this is a beautiful album, the likes of which British bands currently seem unable to make. Maybe a few years under George Bush's rule might shape us up. Then again, maybe not...
