Album Review: The Middle East, I Want That You Are Always Happy

05 April 2011

by Jazz Lewis

I Want That You Are Always Happy is The Middle East’s first full-length studio album since their independently released 2008 debut, with two EPs inbetween album releases. Opening track Black Death 1349 stays true to the title as a fairy sombre song with singer Jordan Ireland driving the song with his classic vocals; this carries on to My Grandma Was Pearl Hall, which resembles a depressed Empire Of The Sun.

Previous single Jesus Came To My Birthday Party breaks the sombre vibe that the album presents in the first three tracks with the welcome introduction of Bree Tranter's voice and an upbeat melody with light-hearted lyrics. This trend follows into track five Land Of The Bloody Unknown, which boasts a catchy melody along with a simple time structure. An obvious selection for a future single.

Deep Water is hauntingly beautiful with the collaboration of timely instruments which include an acoustic guitar, piano and slide guitar to create a ten minute long masterpiece. The clear standout on this album.

Although there are seven members of The Middle East, the album does not suffer from an overload of sound. In songs like Mount Morgan and Dan’s Silverleaf each element works perfectly with Ireland to create a spacious sound.

Ireland’s vocals are undoubtedly a vital element. At times there's a clear resemblance to Jeff Buckley, this is especially present in Hunger Song, where Ireland’s clear and faultless vocals will make you instantly fall in love.

There is no way to easily lump this album into one genre; with the band serving up a mixed pot of folk, ambience, pop, country and alternative rock. The guys prove their mature musical abilities, as well as a wide appreciation for beautiful music; no matter what genre it may belong to. Each track brings a necessary element to the album, which upon removing would be similar to skipping a chapter in a book.

The band have managed to produce a classic sounding album, filled with tracks that are too good to simply be lost in the background.