There’s a palpable optimism woven between the sonic spaces of A Bridge To Far; the sixth and latest release from Midlake.

Release Date: 7th November 2025

Label: Bella Union

Format: CD / Vinyl / Digital

A BRIDGE TO FAR

There’s a palpable optimism woven between the sonic spaces of Midlake’s sixth and latest release, A Bridge To Far. Amid a frenzied world, this Texas-based folk-rock act delivers an album saturated with hope and authenticity. It showcases a bold call to live fiercely in the present and draw joy from every corner of life. True-to-form, the record showcases rich, intricate arrangements, underpinned by luxurious vocals and subtly muted drums. Alongside this, there is brilliant, understated guitar work, solidifying their reputation as modern troubadours and leading lights of psych-folk. 

SONIC SERENITY AND ETHEREAL HARMONIES

A Bridge To Far boasts several simply exemplary tracks that stand as definitive models of the contemporary psych-folk sound. 

Eyes Full Of Animal blends existential lyrics with ethereal harmonies: “Backs pushed against the wall; actions mechanical, and the falling is forming.” You’d have to travel to the furthest reaches of the genre to find a more settling blend of such a distinctive sound.

Like Eyes Full Of Animal, Guardians, given an extra layer of serenity by the guest performance from Madison Cunningham, delivers an emotional tug. The call-and-response between the two singers seamlessly pulls the listener into an intimate conversation. The album opens majestically with Days Gone By, which immediately sets the tone for the lush sonic landscape to come. The effortless guitar interplay and whimsical wind instrumentation provide delightful evidence that Midlake exists to answer the needs of that quiet niche where they have become a foundational cornerstone.

THE SIGNATURE SOUND

Midlake’s distinctive sound isn’t just present; it’s stretched and refined to fill every corner of this album. Lion’s Den, with the deliciously sumptuous melodies and lingering spaces in which Eric Purdilo pours his distinctive vocal. They are a band able to hold an extended note and not lose the shape of the sound; easy to create and almost impossible to master.

Similarly, album closer, The Valley of Roseless Thorns, has the echoing reverb of Art Garfunkel. It lifts the soul but at the paired-back pace only Midlake could create with their sound. Given this is the closing track of the album, it’s a clear indication that Midlake will always find space to round the edges of their sound. The title track, A Bridge To Far, is pure indulgence for the ears. It delivers a melodic massage with a message of hope that delivers with a folk melody that remains and sustains long after the song ends. 

A FLURRY OF GIFTS

Yet, A Bridge To Far is no airy, whimsical folk meander. There are some gritty, grandiose tracks that juxtapose beautifully with the softer moment. The Calling rips with an undercurrent of grungier guitars and prominent percussion. It arrives at surprise against the backdrop of the first half of theddd album. However, the band maintain their signature sound even with some heavier notes. 

Make Haste boasts another burst of energy. Midlake allow a wonderful bass-riff to take centre stage and lift the track to life. These are musicians refusing to answer calls and instead sticking their craft with incredible accuracy. The Ghouls, aptly named and produced for the time of year, is yet another flurry of rhythm-led musicianship and the dramatic tempo shift has an immediate impact given the gentler opening to the album. Its tracks like this, which lift the listener in their seat, for which Midlake have paved such a distinctive path. 

WITHIN/WITHOUT

Within/Without is a standout track, on what truly is an exquisite selection of songs. In what may well be Purdilo’s most extended vocal range on the album, backed with some of the tightest bass, guitar and drum work, the track is a delicate yet yearning quest for sonic perfection. “I figured out, now with no doubt, who can live a life within/without.” This is a track that transcends its predecessors. It pulls from the halcyon days of ‘Van Occupanther’; worth the admission price alone! 

A Bridge To Far is Midlake’s most complete album since The Trial of Van Occupanther, which is now almost 20 years old. It would be a far to say that the best comparison of this piece of work from Midlake, is the earlier Midlake material. They have become their greatest influence. As would always be the case, there are clear influences from Crosby, Stills and Nash amongst several others, but the sound here is distinctively Midlake. I’d recommend this to anyone with a penchant for the ethereal. To anyone who likes their music served with a healthy dose of passion, care, attention and down-right majesty. For both the feint and not-so-feint hearted. 

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