The Fiery Furnaces ‘Blueberry Boat’ (RoughTrade)

Did you listen to Gallowsbird’s Bark? Did you think that it was ‘eccentrically brilliant’? Did the fairground pianos, buzzing guitar and peculiar verse pique your interest, or even excite you? Have you see the Fiery Furnaces live? Was their show the curious spectacle you were expecting and did Eleanor Friedeburger’s piercing stare alight on you, including you in their slightly unnerving world?

If you did, then you are probably in the right frame of mind for Blueberry Boat. Be aware though that you still need the open mind that afforded so much enjoyment last time, as well as about an hour and a half of spare time. Because this record is a continuous piece of work and not an album you can dip into. It is Matthew Friedburger’s concept album, his opus – the culmination of teenage years spent listening to the Who, going on sailing trips and acquiring some seriously artistic tendencies.

If you didn’t then it is probably unlikely that you’ll develop an instant and unshakable liking for this record. The Fiery Furnaces came up with an original sound in 2002 and whilst it continues on ‘Blueberry Boat’, it does so in a very concentrated way. They are not looking for new converts to their almost baroque style of music (although these will come), rather they are travelling deeper into the performance aspect, adding elaborations to what they started with ‘Gallowsbird’s Bark’ and, in doing so, really test your capacity for assimilation.

On ‘Blueberry Boat’ the fairground has been swapped for a video arcade as Matthew gets to grips with all the jiggery-pokery of a professional mixing desk. The instant melodies from the last album are mostly gone, save for the swinging chorus of ‘Straight Street’ and the rock’nroll of ‘My Dog Was Lost But Now He’s Found’, replaced by lengthy intros and subtle transitions between songs. The elaborate lyrics have become even more so, suggesting that it is the sounds they produce rather than the meanings that are important and the overall effect is certainly one that requires a few thorough listens.

Many would say that a second album is no time for a band to be embarking on this kind of elaborate undertaking and they would probably be right. ‘Gallowsbird’s Bark’ was innovative enough to warrant a second volume and as a result the high level of production on ‘Blueberry Boat’ appears unnecessary and at times suffocates the actual music. But then, as with most artists, the Fiery Furnaces aren’t doing this to win a popularity contest. This is what comes next, like it or not, and the challenge is to stick with it and enjoy it. Pink Floyd started this way (something about a furry animals in cave with a pict?) and look how they turned out.

The Fiery Furnaces may look vaguely scary but they have built up a dedicated following big enough to warrant supporting Franz Ferdinand on their recent UK tour. Variety is an important part of our lives and they doubtlessly recognise this, so if you don’t like ‘Blueberry Boat’ don’t write off the band, because they are unlikely to go any deeper than this in future anyway (fingers crossed). This album is remarkable for its prodigious vision and masterful mixing but isn’t a snapshot of the Fiery Furnaces. Make of it what you will.

words: Robin Harris

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