Over the years I’d heard splutterings of enthusiasm surrounding a band from Townsville called The Middle East. They didn’t get down to Sydney much – probably due to their location of residence – but a few of their tunes fell into my hands a couple of times and seemed nice enough. They were on my “bands to watch” list, but then promptly disappeared off my radar.

Now they’ve suddenly appeared back on the scene with a deal with Spunk Records, and boasting a shift in sound that has moved from plundering influence from the usual pillars of indie rock to introducing a greater influence from the broad pool of folk. They’ve recently supported Bill Callahan (Smog) and apparently are recording an EP that should be released mid-year.

I was given their latest track “Blood” which features a lovely picked guitar, a very nicely penned melody and crooned vocals. It’s a slow burner, gradually building before introducing a melody that leads to an explosion of glockenspiels, a chorus of vocals and trumpets. Y’know, the kind of thing that Arcade Fire made cool. Actually the whole thing is kind of what Sydney live favourites Cuthbert & the Nightwalkers might sound like in a more sober and reflective mode.

Have a listen:

• Blood (AAC format)

The Middle East are playing two shows in Sydney next month:

• The Hopetoun on the 20th of February with Leader Cheetah, Megastick Fanfare and Maple Trail
• Brass Monkey in Cronulla on the 21st of February with Leader Cheetah and Jack Ladder (solo)

Wow, this just in – Mick Harvey has left The Bad Seeds (y’know, Nick’s band). His statement released to the press is as follows:

For a variety of personal and professional reasons I have chosen to discontinue my ongoing involvement with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. After 25 years I feel I am leaving the band as it experiences one of its many peaks; in very healthy condition, and with fantastic prospects for the future. I’m confident Nick will continue to be a creative force and that this is the right time to pass on my artistic and managerial role to what has become a tremendous group of people who can support him in his endeavours both musically and organizationally. It was a fantastic experience to finish my touring days in the band with the recent shows in Australia and the unique events that took place in conjunction with All Tomorrow’s Parties, especially Mt. Buller, which was one of the many highlights of my involvement with the band throughout the years. I shall continue working on the Bad Seeds back catalogue re-issues project over the coming year and look forward to the new opportunities I shall be able to accommodate as a result of my changed circumstances.
– Mick Harvey, 22nd January 2009

What a bummer. I’ve always enjoyed Mick’s exceptional contributions to Bad Seeds albums and he contributed exceptionally nuanced playing to Bad Seeds live performances amidst Nick Cave and Warren Ellis’ wild antics. He’ll be missed, but I look forward to seeing what else he gets up to now that his calendar has just freed up.

So, I wonder who’ll be replacing him?

This may be classed as next-big-thing bandwagon jumping, but these tunes have got me roped in somewhat…

Glasgow’s hip-hop beatmaker extraordinaire Hudson Mohawke has been getting some attention of late thanks to his rather energetic and unique sounds – and whose buzz factor has only accelerated since Warp Records’ succeeded in signing him. Hud Mo’s style is centred upon loose, off-kilter beats not dissimilar to the influential work of the likes of Madlib and the late great J Dilla, but also features a bright, playful melodic style and some great pop hooks nestled amongst the action.

His album Polyfolk Dance is out on January 26th, but if you’re curious here are two tunes that were included on a pre-release sampler (which can be purchased now on Bleep)

• Polkadot Blues (mp3)
• Overnight (mp3)

Hud Mo has another project called Heralds of Change – a collab with fellow Glaswegian Mike Slott – which also features fractured beats set against a darker, grittier canvas. The band’s releases come via the All City Dublin label, and is available for purchase on Bleep as well.

• Future (mp3 currently unavailable – coming soon)