Date: April 19th 2006
The Fiery Furnaces are a band you either love or hate, and the sentiment can change with each new album that’s released. And now, after the release of latest effort ‘Bitter Tea’, they’ve decided to approach their live performance from another new angle: there’s no keyboards.
Even though the songs are still as quirky as ever, Eleanor and Matt Friedberger, with the help of Jason Lowenstein on bass, and drummer Bob D’Amico, are playing it straight. A tambourine, or some noise-makers wouldn’t go amiss, and without a keyboard in sight, it’s a little disappointing.
The show is still chaotic at times, and thoroughly enjoyable up close, with guitars attempting to take on the role of the missing synth, but it doesn’t feel as good as it could – or should – be. ‘I’m In No Mood’ and ‘Bitter Tea’, some of the standout tracks on the new record seem underwhelming, with the loss of their tinkly, funky, synth backing. Despite that, ‘Single Again’ shines as the round-off before the encore, and ‘Blueberry Boat’ clinches the deal.
They’re coming back soon, and we just hope they consider a rethink of their instrument choices.
Previously published on This Is Fake DIY.
