The Fiery Furnaces – I’m Going Away

As The Fiery Furnaces, brother and sister duo Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger have been providing audiences with a sound experience influenced but classic blues singers, Devo and countless others. Despite the fact that their music is often grudgingly described as ‘difficult’ by many, the Fiery Furnaces have managed to garner a large cult following of dedicated fans. Indeed, they were recently asked by Elbow to be the support for their recent MEN Gig and whilst it wasn’t exactly successful (the band seemed a little overwhelmed by the large venue, whilst the audience suffered from the usual “Let’s get a pint before the main band,” apathy that can reign at massive stadium gigs) it shows how their regard amongst their peers and dedicated music fans has risen over the years. Their music is a fractured and often kaleidoscopic series of narratives that can both entice and disconcert, with Eleanor Friedberger providing luscious vocals amongst a backdrop of ever changing tempos.

Their latest album, I’m Going Away, is described by the band thus:

“All rock music is a sort of dramatic music. And since the times are tough, it makes sense to have that“drama” be something more like a version of ‘Taxi’ than something like a version of Titanic. We like ‘Taxi’ better than Titanic anyway. So we hope that some of the songs on this record can be used as theme songs to folks’ own personal versions of Taxi. Because—ideally—the dramatic setting of the music isn’t provided by the story or image of the given act or band. It’s provided by the lives of the people who use—listen to—the music. That is pop music’s promise and problem, or danger. So be careful and don’t get canceled.”

It’s a brilliant quote and one is a fantastic way to approach the album. The opening track, the titular I’m Going Away, is a take on the traditional song and has all the Fiery Furnaces’ trademarks in abundance:  crunchy guitars, urgent lyrics telling of escape and changing time signatures. And it’s glorious, with real passion and energy. Things take a slower turn for the next tracks Drive To Dallas and The End Is Near then kick back into style with songs such as Charmaine Champagne and the finale Take Me Round Again. The Fiery Furnaces take you into their own little world, setting up a place that is slightly disturbing but ultimately welcoming. It’s as if the band are taking us by the hand, and leading us through a world of love and loss. It might not always be easy, but we’re always glad that we’ve got the company.

The ‘difficult’ tag has always been slightly unfair, as I prefer to think of The Fiery Furnaces as dense and multi-layered. Of course it might not be to everyone’s taste, but surely this is the way of all music. Those who want to try out more of the band will find I’m Going Away an excellent starting point before checking them out at their gig at The Cockpit on Friday 9^th October. With the more intimate surroundings of The Cockpit, it promises to be an excellent time. Keep checking The Culture Vulture for a review of the gig.

For information on the Fiery Furnaces, including details on all their albums including I’m Going Away, and gig listings go to www.thefieryfurnaces.com

For information on The Cockpit gig go to www.thecockpit.co.uk