SXSW 2010 Preview: The Middle East

Ever since I heard the song Blood on satellite radio I've been in love with, Austrailian band, the Middle East. As far as I know, the only music they have available in the U.S. right now is a gorgeous 5 song EP. The EP is self-titled and I found my copy at End of an Ear for $3.99. A SXSW day-party isn't really the ideal setting for a band with a quiet, nuanced sound but I think the bursts of gypsy music mania will translate quite nicely in a live setting. If you haven't heard the song Blood yet you should check out this beautiful video. Also, I've listed some of the places you can catch the Middle East at SXSW below the break.


the Middle East - Blood video via YouTube

According to the info culled by Do512, the Middle East will be playing only four times during the festival. It looks like two of the events will be unofficial/free and two of the events are official, requiring a SX badge or wristband. As you may know, Bloggy only does SX in an unofficial capacity so you'll probably catch me, catching them at the Paste Magazine Party. But here's their full list as of this moment:

Official showcase, shows:

Wed, 03/17 at Club de Ville.
Sat, 03/20 at Maggie Mae's.

Free and/or unofficial shows:

Thu, 03/18 at Paste Magazine Party at the Galaxy Room.
Sat, 03/20 at Austin Convention Center day-stage.

Here's one more tune to sample from the Middle East:


the Middle East - Lonely video via YouTube