Eleanor Friedberger is half of the Fiery Furnaces, an indie-rock duo she fronts with her brother, Matthew. Since 2000, theyve made music that leaves you trying to catch your breath, dense songs often overrun with disparate ideas, and manic vocals brought to you by plenty of neuroses and way too much caffeine.
Its even more jarring, then, to hear just how streamlined Friedbergers terrific new solo album turned out. Last Summer doesnt trumpet the demise of the Fiery Furnaces, nor does it announce the arrival of an important new artist. Instead, its casual and compelling, the work of a musician who simply wanted to record some songs on her own terms.
The Friedbergers are obviously big believers in the adage that a rolling stone gathers no moss. Like the Furnaces eclectic albums, Last Summer weaves in and out of different genres, terrified of staying in the same spot for too long.
Friedberger tries on styles as if assembling a new outfit from a vintage store. Psychedelic flourishes creep into Inn of the Seventh Ray, with Friedbergers voice ricocheting into another galaxy. Thick bass lines give Roosevelt Island a touch of 70s funk, and One-Month Marathon is its own animal: a funereal folk song.
The stunner, though, is the opening salvo. My Mistakes is eminently infectious and establishes the albums deep sense of longing and nostalgia. You said it wouldnt be so bad / But its worse, Friedberger later sings on Glitter Gold Year, repeating the line as if shell believe it the more she hears it. (Out today)
ESSENTIAL My Mistakes
Similar Posts:
- A Closer Look at Elle Varner’s Upcoming Album
- Even in the rain, Swift shines
- This week’s CD reviews
- Radiohead Plays ‘Hush’ Show At Glastonbury
- Singer Sean Kingston Crashes Watercraft In Fla.
no comment untill now