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The Fiery Furnaces - Remember

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In their relatively brief lifespan, the Fiery Furnaces have released six full-length albums, each revealing new and intriguing facets of their blend of prog, psychedelia and all-out weirdness. The sibling duo’s latest opus, a monolithic two-CD (three LP) chronicle of their live performances, is no different. Remember is a worthwhile exploration of one of the band’s most curious aspects.

The Furnaces are infamous for their freewheeling concerts, and this album is a perfect example of how they earned their reputation. Their non-linear song structures and shambling narratives make the band a memorable live act, with entire albums crammed into half-hour medleys and already-frantic tunes played at double time.

Simultaneously, they manage to be one of the most singularly frustrating bands to see live, owing to their stubborn refusal to trot out rote repetition of their studio albums. They opt instead for bizarre re-workings, often superimposing original vocal lines on entirely different melodies. In many cases, this technique yields mind-blowing renditions, showcasing Matthew Freidberger’s ingenious knack for spastic organ hooks and his dark-haired sister’s penchant for spontaneous vocal improvisation, but even the most open-minded listeners are bound to pine for the straightforward pop melodies of songs like “Here Comes the Summer,” “Benton Harbour Blues” or “Tropical Ice-land.” While all of these titles are included in the track listing, their most familiar and accessible aspects are swallowed up in the chaotic live execution.

Then again, the band’s fans expect nothing less from Remember. If nothing else, the compilation faithfully captures the bizarre energy of the Furnaces’ live performances. The sound quality is excellent, showcasing Eleanor’s spot-on vocals and Matt’s unforgettable keys. Stitching together countless performances from the past few years of touring, the album frequently draws from multiple recording sources featuring vastly different interpretations of a single track. Extended medleys from Bitter Tea, Blueberry Boat, Rehearsing My Choir and Widow City are woven together by choice cuts from Gallowsbird’s Bark and EP, showcasing the highest points of the band’s diverse catalogue.

While the arrangements toe the line between innovative and aggravating, the album has profound depth as a listening experience. Not to be digested in a single sitting, it offers incredible rewards for long attention spans and repeated plays.


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