REVIEW

The fifth album from Scottish post-rock band Midas Fall.‍

The band was formed around 2008 by Elizabeth Heaton and Rowan Burn and has undergone several lineup changes, with Michael Hamilton (Ba) joining for this release to complete the trio. They are signed to Monotreme Records, home to accomplished post-rock acts such as 65daysofstatic, Sleepmakeswaves, and This Will Destroy You.

The name “Midas Fall” appears to reference King Midas from Greek mythology, famed for turning everything he touched to gold. Originally, the band had a much cruder name, but they later selected two dictionary words to match their evolving musical identity. Early influences were distinct: Elizabeth favored delicate, beautiful sounds like Ólafur Arnalds (post-classical), 65daysofstatic (post-rock), and Chelsea Wolfe (goth/dark folk), while Rowan leaned toward metal acts such as Tool, Pantera, and Celtic Frost. Their contrasting tastes sparked a creative chemistry that shaped Midas Fall’s signature sound: progressive structures imbued with neoclassical/folk grandeur, shoegaze bliss, and post-rock dynamism.

Following the critical acclaim of their previous bedroom-produced album Evaporate—which won the Limelight Award at Prog Magazine’s 2018 Progressive Music Awards and caught the attention of Robert Smith of The Cure, who invited them to perform at Meltdown Festival 2018 where he served as curator—this new release maintains their ethereal beauty while evolving toward a darker, more dramatic sound with the addition of a 5-string bass and baritone guitar. Elizabeth’s silken, emotionally charged vocals merge with rich strings, electronic synths, and sparkling guitars, creating waves that sweep from the ocean floor to the sky. Michael Hamilton’s compositional contributions are a significant part of this expanded sonic palette.

Standout tracks include #2 “I Am Wrong,” which combines shimmering guitars with rhythmic momentum and culminates in cathartic, self-directed intensity—its music video evokes the frenzied imagery of the film Possession. #4 “In This Avalanche” is a soothing folk piece with lush strings, while #6 “Monsters” offers thrilling, progressive twists. Heart-wrenching balladry emerges in #7 “Atrophy,” and #8 “Cold Waves Divide Us” connects post-rock dynamism with buoyant electronic beats. The album crescendos with #10 “Mute,” where blizzard-like walls of sound freeze the soul.

Midas Fall’s meticulous pursuit of beauty rivals that of legendary 4AD artists like Dead Can Dance and Cocteau Twins. This release stands as a defining 2024 masterpiece of ethereal post-rock and shoegaze.