Do512 - What to do in Austin

The Middle East are a unique band out of Townsville in Queensland, Australia. They use various influences from post-rock to folk to ambient, creating a magical, hypnotic sound featuring varying instrumentation and gentle, addictive guitar hooks.

In 2006 they released a split EP with local Cairns band Sleeping In Trains. Their debut full-length was released on 24th April 2008. They released their work as an EP in the United States in fall of 2009 and is available here at http://www.themiddleeastmusic.com. Their live shows have been describe as "surreal" and often create a very calm, space-like atmosphere. Recently, Pitchfork Media offered a free download of the song "The Darkest Side" as a part of their weekly Forkcast; describing the song as "a simple, finger-plucked acoustic affair with alternating and harmonizing vocals that lend the hushed track a sense of beleaguered hope." Their music is often played on triplej (a nationwide Australian radio network) and their song "Blood" is rumoured to be appearing in a film to be released sometime in 2009. Please visit http://www.myspace.com/visitthemiddleeast or vote for them on triplej unearthed: www.triplejunearthed.com.au/TheMiddleEast Listen at Last.fm