Phonology

    Pop opera is one of those genres that just doesn't come round or stay around very often. But on first listen, The Fiery Furnaces' new album EP is just that. All very knowing and self conscious. And this is their pop side. It's like Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody cranked up times 100 and trying to be clever. A million different time signatures, asides, tempos and multiple sections in each song. After three or four songs it's starting to get more than a little irritating. Calm down and stop showing off, please.

    As an album, it's a lesson in how musical intelligence doesn't always work. There are some great singalong moments, and some of the indie kids are going to love its archness. Whether it's alliteration overload in Sullivan's Social Slub, or the shock of setting domestic violence to a happy pop tune in Single Again, it's certainly full of surprises. The musicianship throughout is superb, and there are plenty catchy tunes, but it just won't settle. Shifting around to such a degree makes for uncomfortable listening. In some ways it's similar to the prog pop of Mansun's Six, with its segues and self conscious lyrics and production. It's all well and good doing something because you can, but when it doesn't gel it's time to think twice.

    If you don't get the references (e.g. Duffer St. George rips the piss out of the Shoreditch set) some of that archness is lost, and the music becomes more of a focus, making everything seem much more lighthearted. This would be a much more likeable album if it didn't take itself so seriously. Lighten up, Furnaces!

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