The Fiery Furnaces - 'Gallowsbird's Bark' (Rough Trade)
4/5
By: Joshua K
Driven by rocking indie and quirky pop, legendary label Rough Trade has experienced an incredible renaissance over the past few years. Any doubters need only look at the current who's-who roster, featuring The Strokes (UK), The Kills (US), The Libertines, British Sea Power, The Hidden Cameras, Belle & Sebastian, Jarvis Cocker's Relaxed Muscle, Moldy Peaches, Adam Green, and Jeffrey Lewis.
Therefore, it's only fitting that the latest signings - brother and sister combo, The Fiery Furnaces - tow the fine line between both genres. In fact, more than anything, they sound to these ears like a glorious 1970's mash-up of Patti Smith and Randy (refreshingly, not Gary) Numan - with Smith's ghost, especially, haunting the proceedings.*
As this comparison implies, the order of the day is idiosyncratic vocals over throbbing guitar and eccentric piano-lines. When it works, as in 'Inca Rag / Name Games' (with its side-reference to that other 'brother and sister act', The White Stripes), 'Bow Wow' and 'Don't Dance Her Down', it's an addictive brew. 'Gale Blow', with its Smithsian echo effects, and the skewed, sweet pop of 'Tropical Iceland' are also standouts.
Unfortunately, there are also times when 'Gallowsbird's Bark' just doesn't resonate, such as on 'Asthma Attack' or 'I'm Gonna Run'; at these points, they're simply trying too hard, and sounding flat as a result (at least it proves never boring: more than you can say for most amidst their more haphazard airings).
The Furnaces, then, have thrown down the gauntlet, justly demanding the world listen. But they're not a classic Rough Trade act - yet. So enjoy the intro while simultaneously anticipating the future second LP, which could really shine.
*Admittedly, this fact would be less disconcerting if Ms. Smith weren't actually still alive. But if she's comfortable merely rehashing her best moments these past 20 years, then we shouldn't be too bothered by young tykes using them as a jumping-off point either. There are much, much worse influences.
Artists in this article: The Fiery Furnaces
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