The Eastern are a country folk band from New Zealand.

They’re mostly a DIY outfit. They don’t have a Twitter account or a publicist, which makes this blurb on their website all the better:

“The Eastern are a string band that roars like a punk band, that swings like a gospel band, that drinks like a country band, that works like a bar band, that hopes like folk singers, and sings love songs like union songs, and writes union songs like love songs, and wants to slow dance and stand on tables, all at the same time.”

Despite their lack of a major label, they’ve shared the stage with artists like Steve Earle, Old Crow Medicine Show, Fleetwood Mac, The Jayhawks, Jim White, Vic Chestnut, and Victoria Williams. They have fans all over the world, but inexplicably haven’t received much attention in the States yet.

The Eastern’s most recent album is called The Territory. You can (and really should) preview and purchase it here.

RIYL: Todd Snider, The Band, good music, story-songs