While it’s understandable things in Townsville do run at a somewhat ‘relaxed’ pace, for the most of us (bloggers/fans/bedtime playlists in need of an update) it’s welcome news that The Middle East have finally announced a release date for their debut record – ‘I Want That You Are Always Happy’.

Recording between tours at the band’s’ Townsville studio in late 2009, the band then shifted to Midlake’s Denton studio in March 2010 after their SXSW stint. Since arriving back home in July 2010, they’ve been putting final touches on the album in a makeshift Cairns-based studio.

While ‘Black Death 1349’ takes on more shadowy tones than previous singles, typical Middle East formalities remain – melancholic themes, brooding instrumentals, vox with xanax properties etc. It’s been a while coming, but if the album is anything to go by the snippets of what we’ve heard, it should be a decent contender.

The track is available as a free download from the Golden Plains website here for a limited time.

‘I Want That You Are Always Happy’ is out through Spunk on April 8

www.themiddleeastmusic.com

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Here’s the new clip for ‘History’s Door’ by Melbourne outfit Husky.

Upcoming record ‘Forever So’ was recorded in lead singer Husky Gawenda’s backyard bungalow and then mixed in LA with Noah Georgeson (Joanna Newsom, Devendra Banhart, Strokes).

The album is set to drop April 5th. I think there’s a unanimous feeling that these guys are going to have a very, very good year.

Husky will be launching the single tomorrow (Sat 26th) with The Hello Morning and Tash Parker at the Evelyn Hotel.

www.huskysongs.com

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The Townhouses – ‘Indian Elephant’ (mp3)

The Townhouses probably take the award for the band who’ve spent the most amount of time in my Drafts folder before making an appearance on the site. I really love this dude (/these guys, I think it’s one guy but I don’t want to commit). From his ‘Islands’ (mini-)LP from last year to his cover of Common. Much like Saint Surly & Monster Monster, it’s a mystery why this music has not appeared on here until now despite my love for it. What isn’t a mystery is the quality of his latest double A-side. It’s the best thing to come out with the The Townhouses name on it. You can grab at the link below. Below is half of that release, ‘Indian Elephant,’ in all of it’s grooving hypnagogic glory.

The Townhouses have one gig lined up at the moment, supportign Yeo’s album launch on March 23rd in Melbourne.
thetownhouses.tumblr.com/

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Olympics Ayres – ‘Black and blue’ (mp3)

I know little to nothing about Olympic Ayres. As far as I know, they’re a newish two-piece that sound like a five-piece, they don’t have a Myspace (wisely devoting their time elsewhere), they don’t play live much, and their recent demo EP is the first thing they’ve ever released. For a band this new, the aforementioned EP is surprisingly tight and confident. Even if they haven’t found their niche yet (to my ears, it sound kinda like Aleks [of the the Ramps] jamming out with Foals), these first tunes have reached a level of quality in the songs and production that more accomplished bands still miss.

Get the whole EP (all THREE songs!) here:

olympicayres.bandcamp.com

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OOOO – Fishing from FISHING on Vimeo.

One of my fav Australian tracks from 2010 is now available in form. Check it out if you’ve not done so already.

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