From the first few notes of Midlake’s third full-length album, The Courage of Others, you can tell there is something different than the bands previous releases.  Dark.  Deep.  Gentle.  These are a few descriptions that aptly fit with the elegance that brews on this album.  It is easy to see why it took the band three years to release it.

Midlake was formed in 1999, at the University of North Texas, by five jazz students.  Their early work was fueled by jazz, of course, and funk inspirations from bands like Herbie Hancock.  After some change in band members, Midlake began a move towards a more indie-rock sound, writing songs influenced by the likes of Radiohead, Jethro Tull and Grandaddy.

Bamnan and Slivercork and The Trials of Van Occupanther were released in 2004 and 2006, respectively.  Bamnan followed the inspirations of bands like The Flaming Lips, while Trials was more of a classic-rock, Fleetwood Mac-esque record.  The Courage of Others seems more influenced by yet another era and genre of music.  The sound harkens to the British music scene of the late ’60s, partially at least.

Don’t get confused, though, and think that Midlake is just making music that sounds like other music you’ve heard from the past.  Sure, there is some influence, but they’re pioneering a sound that can be heard on other recently-released albums like those from Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes.

The Courage of Others comes out tomorrow, February 2, 2010, in the US.  With such powerful tracks as Acts of Man, Winter Dies, Children of the Grounds and The Horn, it’s hard to believe that Midlake’s third full-length album won’t be  featured on numerous “best of” lists for 2010.  It’s that good.

You can listen to the album in full here, or just wait until tomorrow and pick it up at your local record store, Amazon or iTunes.  While you’re at it, pick up their other two full albums.  You’ll be glad you did.