Given it’s
position in the oft’ forgotten southern hemisphere,
Australia just seems like one of those mysterious places
that shouldn’t exist, but every now and again that massive
countrinent proves it’s existence. Hailing from Townsville
in the northern territory is The Middle East, and in 2009,
this group served up a flare to remind us that Australia is
one resource that’s yet to be fully tapped for it’s musical
treasures. The Middle East were a group to be reckoned with
in their field with a unique set of diverse, gorgeous folk
that was rich, emotive and atmospheric. Their recordings
were moody with a simplistic acoustic plucking that echoed
on a pane of reverb. Following their debut in The
Recordings Of The Middle East, things from their end
slowly went quiet, but after two years, the collective is
set to release their follow-up, I Want That You Are
Always Happy on April 8. While the single from the
upcoming carried a more active nature, the latest offering
out of the soon to be released album sees a return to their
original branding - an ambient affair, dark and beautiful,
entrenched with elements that truly showcase their talents
and diversity as a septet collective.
- Brad Benedict Corteza -
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