Almost a decade ago, Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger performed at the Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona, showcasing their critically aclaimed career in set form. They followed this unexpectedly to go their seperate ways and make solo material. Although they tend to say that they haven’t broken up, but are ‘playing their next show’. Most recently in reference to the Pitchfork Festival 2020, that they were due to play before COVID cancellations. In result of this their new single, ‘Down At The So and So On Somewhere’ is no surprise. The track itself is a lo-fi, drum machine and keys number, complete with peculiar lyrics. Straight from the get go Friedberger sets the scene with lines of triaganomatory tutors at dance classes. Any fans of their last project ‘Blueberry Boat‘ will dig the sound here as it is familiar in sonics.
“This is the first new music from The Fiery Furnaces in ten years,” the band says. “The songs were recorded in New York City and a few hours north of New York City on February 3 and February 10 – 12, ‘Down by the So and So on Somewhere’ is a regretful song about having regrets. Now it seems even more sad than we thought it was back then: ‘Will you meet me,’ etc. Matthew was happy to use a
Soviet drum machine. Eleanor was happy to play real drums. ‘The Fortune Teller’s Revenge’ is another sad song. We cut out the lines from the first and third verse: ‘with me; just kidding’ and ‘leave everything to me.’ Matthew likes hearing Eleanor sing ‘I’m sorry to say I’ve never made a mistake.’ Eleanor likes that you can’t quite tell who’s singing what, when.”
A 7′ inch physical single of the track can be pre ordered here: https://thirdmanstore.com/down-at-the-so-and-so-on-somewhere-b-w-fortune-teller-s-revenge. The package comes with an exclusive, physical only B side, ‘The Fortune Tellers Revenge’. Definetely one to jump on to quick. A bundle for the Fiery Furnaces with t-shirt and tote bag has already sold out. The group have donated a portion of the proceeds of the bundle to Black Lives Matter and AACM Chicago.
Hear the track below:
