Recordings of the Middle East Reviewed
February 6th 2010 10:41
The Middle East released this album prior to splitting up in 2008, and after reconvening re-released an abridged EP - the Recordings of the Middle East. That's the EP that's in front of me as I type, and has been played out of my speakers for the last few days now. Before I start my review I'll give you some basic information on them.
who are the Middle East?
The Middle East are a six piece band from Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
What do they play?
It's a topic of a lot of conjecture. Their myspace lists them as simply 'indie' but I'd say indie-folk, with a whole heap of other influences thrown in. Gypsy, Folk andIndie all fused together may be the most apt way of describing them. They've been described as sounding similar to Arcade Fire, and their widespread use of vocal harmonies as well as the glockenspiel, trumpet, piano and hand percussion does nothing to stop people talking of the similarities.
The EP consists of five songs, two of which are fairly well known amongst Triple J listeners, or so it would seem. The Darkest Side and Blood both placed in the 2009 Triple J Hottest 100 Countdown.
The melodies are beautiful and the female and male lead vocallists interwine so perfectly the listener feels themself floating off to an alternate universe.
The Middle East take a religious slant on their songwriting and aim to educate their listeners - 'we have material minds' in Lonely, 'And you’ll find the peace of the Lord', in Blood, 'the evidence of heaven' in Fools Gold and many subtle biblical references throughout The Darkest Side.
That is not to say the EP is not lyrically beautiful. 'it's the darkest side of your heart that dies when you come to me' and the And we’re left with wretched hearts, And mangled minds, Concrete feet, And beggars lies'. Truly emotive and heartfelt lyrics that make the listener think, whilst listening to the beautiful harmonies the Middle East are known for.
My favourite tracks: The Darkest Side - Lyrically beautiful track that speaks of how our lives are incomplete without that something special in our lives - whether it be the people we love or our God. The vocals are haunting and the guitar simply exceptional, and it makes it easy to concentrate solely on the music.
Blood: Layered indie/folk vibe the whole way through, the melodies are to die for, and the crescendo - well what a crescendo. Check this out, if nothing else.
If you can push the religious slant to one side you'll find that this is an exceptional EP - and the Middle East are a band to keep on your radar; well and truly.
Rating: A very solid 3 and a half out of 5.
Posted by Adam.
who are the Middle East?
The Middle East are a six piece band from Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
What do they play?
It's a topic of a lot of conjecture. Their myspace lists them as simply 'indie' but I'd say indie-folk, with a whole heap of other influences thrown in. Gypsy, Folk andIndie all fused together may be the most apt way of describing them. They've been described as sounding similar to Arcade Fire, and their widespread use of vocal harmonies as well as the glockenspiel, trumpet, piano and hand percussion does nothing to stop people talking of the similarities.
Recordings of the Middle East album cover
The EP consists of five songs, two of which are fairly well known amongst Triple J listeners, or so it would seem. The Darkest Side and Blood both placed in the 2009 Triple J Hottest 100 Countdown.
The melodies are beautiful and the female and male lead vocallists interwine so perfectly the listener feels themself floating off to an alternate universe.
The Middle East take a religious slant on their songwriting and aim to educate their listeners - 'we have material minds' in Lonely, 'And you’ll find the peace of the Lord', in Blood, 'the evidence of heaven' in Fools Gold and many subtle biblical references throughout The Darkest Side.
That is not to say the EP is not lyrically beautiful. 'it's the darkest side of your heart that dies when you come to me' and the And we’re left with wretched hearts, And mangled minds, Concrete feet, And beggars lies'. Truly emotive and heartfelt lyrics that make the listener think, whilst listening to the beautiful harmonies the Middle East are known for.
My favourite tracks: The Darkest Side - Lyrically beautiful track that speaks of how our lives are incomplete without that something special in our lives - whether it be the people we love or our God. The vocals are haunting and the guitar simply exceptional, and it makes it easy to concentrate solely on the music.
Blood: Layered indie/folk vibe the whole way through, the melodies are to die for, and the crescendo - well what a crescendo. Check this out, if nothing else.
If you can push the religious slant to one side you'll find that this is an exceptional EP - and the Middle East are a band to keep on your radar; well and truly.
Rating: A very solid 3 and a half out of 5.
Posted by Adam.
| 47 |
| Vote |
