Just Deserts
The Middle East talk about seeing the world with Mumford and Sons and keeping their integrity while all around are losing theirs
Ed Power, 06 Jul 2010
On a hot and stifling night in New York, The Middle East's Jordan Ireland is trying to take it all in. "We've been going up and down the length of America with Mumford and Sons," he says. "It's been pretty amazing. Especially if you've come from as far away as Australia, like we have. You're sitting on a tour bus and, every so often, you have those moments where you want to pinch yourself."
He'd better get used to it. Judging by online buzz, The Middle East are about to have a lot more 'pinch yourself' moments. Despite living on the far side of the planet, this sprawling seven-piece have been loudly heralded as one of the year's most thrilling newcomers. There's also something of the zeitgeist about them. With a sound that mooches eloquently between Sufjan Stevens and the aforementioned Mumford-ians, Ireland and company are perfectly positioned to surf the trend for all things folksy.
“We weren't aware of things like that when we started," he says. “We just got together and started playing. It was perfectly natural. If you try to meet people's expectations you will inevitably come up short."
What's it like touring a bunch of infamous pranksters such as Mumford and Sons? Notorious for their love of on-the-road japery, the London folksters once tried to convince this journalist there was more to their relationship than met the eye when they started holding hands and pawing one another during an interview.
"They're great guys," says Mike. “It's very instructive touring with them because they've been to the US before, so they know the ropes. We get on really well. It helps that we're fans of their music and get to see them perform every night. That's a privilege, isn't it?"
To say that The Middle East are from off the beaten track is a bit like saying the North Koreans are a bit wobbly at the back. Their home town, Townsville, is located in Australia's historical equivalent of the Wild West. During the 19th century, it was a proper Deadwood, frequented by gun-slingers, hooch peddlers and steersman. Today, there's still a bit of an edge to it.
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