The Fiery Furnaces - 'Blueberry Boat' (Rough Trade)
3/5
By: Clara Burtenshaw
After the excellent, yet rather strange, 'Gallowsbird's Bark' the Fiery Furnaces have succeeded in producing a record more cripplingly bizarre than the first.
For those of you who thought this an impossible feat, imagine a mini-opera, introduced by ten minutes of organ overture, nautical imagery, and a frenzy and froth of onomatopoeic guitars. Add to this the context of a child who has just lost her protective locket on an adventure, who then goes on to lose and find her dog on her wanderings. Oh, and the choice medium of communication? Inuit.
Now listen to 'Blueberry Boat' and imagine no more. In this ambitious musical work, Eleanor Friedberger assumes the character of the tale, her enunciated speak-sing vocal manner suiting the description of childish insouciance perfectly, and musically supported by an atmospheric soundtrack, loaded with instrumental twists and turns.
Matt Friedberger has made no secret of his love of rock opera and clearly takes
influence from the story-telling employed by The Who in their rock suites. Interesting experiment? Yes. Easy listening, though, it is not, but those who find the time to listen
carefully and engage in the madness, will find it a rewarding one. It would not be surprising if one flew over the Gallowsbird's nest in its making, though.
Artists in this article: The Fiery Furnaces
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