Probably the best folk release since For Emma, Forever Ago. The Middle East's sound is absolutely stunningly beautiful. A mix between folk, indie and the odd post rocky feel The Recordings of the Middle East is a superb album.
It's bands like these that invoke the inner patriotism inside me. "Blood" is a great example of The Middle East's overall sound: beginning with soft fingerstyle arpeggios and serene male voice, the song gradually builds into a wonderful climax complete with horns and ecstatic gang vocals. The whole album follows in a similar, dreamy folk fashion, much like fellow contemporaries Fleet Foxes. This has restored my faith in Australian music.
