Live music: Midlake

Cyprus Avenue, Cork

Maybe the fact that only two songs from their previous album The Courage of Others were aired tells us something about how Midlake regard the last record they made with singer and chief songwriter Tim Smith at the helm.

In late 2012 Smith departed, but the remaining members soldiered on, throwing themselves into their fourth record, Antiphon.

Cramming the stage, the six musicians commence strongly with three tracks from that album, beginning with the incantatory ‘Ages’ and then smoothly bringing it up a gear with the gently buoyant ‘This Weight’.

Shorn of its violin intro, ‘Van Occupanther’s Young Bride’s’ beginning is pastoral and shimmering but McKenzie Smith’s distinctive drums dramatically reveal its presence. Muscular on record, here its slinky beat and zephyr groove recast it as a potential Café del Mar anthem.

At times the concert becomes too meandering, particularly during the middle section, dominated by the instrumental and flute-filled ‘Vale’.

Perennial favourite ‘Roscoe’ ought to propel us out of this funk but it sounds like another band’s cover version. The audience delight in it, perhaps out of respect for a great song. Here, played at half tilt, little of the original’s spirit remains; Pulido’s voice unable to match his predecessor’s swirly croon.

Where ‘Roscoe’ sounds neglected, ‘Head Home’ is perfectly pitched and is enlivened by Joey McClellan’s guitar workout, while the glam stomp of ‘The Old & the Young’ brings the set to a pulsating climax.