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Rating: Well yes, after a relatively long career as an unpaid listener, the so-called mid-life crisis seemed to have arrived for me as well. Exactly, just as that famous medieval shoeshiner who died at 40 said. Maybe I've had an overdose, and in these times of musical bulimia, it's not uncommon at all... the fact is that mental onanisms began to grip me to the point that there was a period when I really hung up my ears, which caused me significant listening difficulties. Now it's a bit better, but I'm still a bit confused. For example, I keep asking myself why Ligabue disgusts me so much, with all the beautiful songs he's made, while certain atrocities like the albums of Animal Collective I find wonderfully interesting. I’ve come to only one but infallible truth: if you're a metal enthusiast, you will become excellent guitarists. Every morning I recite ten prayers over the photo of Kirk Hammett and yet nothing, I still can't like him. Evidently, I will never be a good guitarist. But enough chatter, after the undeniably useful premise, it's also time to talk about these Middle East. Who are they and why should a destabilized listener like me choose to review them specifically?
Well: the Middle East are a delightful Australian band that plays folk and post-rock. Something halfway between Radiohead and Sigur Ròs, but with a more distinctively indie-folk identity. In 2008, before breaking up (and apparently, reuniting), they released this "testimony of existence," later reissued in a truncated version (the last 3 tracks are missing). It's a highly recommended album, damn it. Especially the shortened version, which doesn't include the last balls-busting tracks that really, not even Jònsi. The extended version is divided into two parts, the first more "folk" and the other more "post", but it's worth mentioning that in the first part there's also a track - "Beleriand" (a nod to Tolkien fans) - that vaguely mimics Radiohead and whose guitar section closely resembles Interpol. Just saying. There are several beautiful tracks, the acoustic and sparse "The Darkest Side" for example, the same "Beleriand", or the DNA-unrolling "Lonely" that vaguely recalls Mew, though I've only listened to "Comforting Sounds" by Mew and absolutely need to get them...
The album's problems arise precisely in its more "post" and less acoustic part, which I find rather redundant and mannered, but which might still please lovers of strings and bows, elementary electronics, and Icelandic laments. For everyone else, listen to the 2009 EP and you won't encounter this issue.
And finally, the motivation. I've "reviewed" (big word!) this chunk of an album solely to make you listen to "Blood". Nothing in this album is essential, "Blood" is. It's not a simple song and done, NO! it's the fucking song of the century. Or at least one of many. The one that when I listened to it, on a languid summer afternoon, it made me rediscover why I LOVE music. The one that when I hear it, I immediately remember what it means to write and play a beautiful song. Take a simple progression of arpeggiated chords (and not that simple, try playing it yourself) and plaster an agonized yet inspired text on it. Then enrich it with a few gentle touches of beautiful instruments like the piano, xylophone, and trumpet, and finally add a liberating final chorus exuding epicness without the need to disturb too many of Chicco's keyboards. Congratulations, you've created a song truly, truly, truly beautiful.
Oh, and by the way, the video is, if possible, as beautiful as the song. But there's no need for me to tell you that. Enjoy watching... and of course, stay metal!
ps: How many times must I've said "beautiful" in this piece of writing? Who knows. Beautiful there.
To you.
Tracklist and Videos
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