It's Crystal Clear The Fiery Furnaces are here - The Fiery Furnaces Interview
Interview
Having produced a gem of a debut album: 'Gallowbirds Bark' that is more difficult to define than the reason why Shed Seven have split up now and not ten years ago. The Chicago born siblings Matt & Eleanor take time out from touring with Hot Hot Heat, to gives us chance to blow away the cloud of mystery that surrounds them. However, the walk up the stairs of the venue to meet the pair saw thoughts of doubt seep into my mind like a nocuous substance, as they may want the mystery that surrounds their bluesy rock and motivation to continue. My mind was soon fumigated of such thoughts as the Parker clad Eleanor produced a welcoming and effortless smile, which would even relax Stressed Eric before a trip to the doctors. A few moments later and a bedraggled Matt made his entrance and his laid back; easy going demeanour fuelled the new found confidence in me to ask them anything.
Time was saved when the answer to one of my later planned questions regarding the name of their band, became obvious to me. Fiery is the look you get when you suggest to Eleanor that VV Kills is a possible comparison for her, and the furnaces are where you are sure to end up if you pursue that line of reasoning. Not wanting to play the age old name calling game, she subtly added:
"I don't think it's good to compare me to VV Kills. I won't try to be something other than I am".
The fact that Eleanor really comes alive on stage is merely a part of her personality and those who have seen her will know it is not an act. Matt took the opportunity to compliment his sister as she left briefly to answer the phone: "Eleanor is a very confident and together person" adding that he is "very happy for Eleanor to do most of the singing". On the topic of his own laid back almost folk style that is utilised on a few tracks on the album like 'Inca Rag/Name Game' he merely smiled wryly, but did feel that given his sister's no nonsense, authoritative bluesy style his vocals were "good for variety".
The inevitable topic of sibling squabbling was raised and how disputes were resolved when Eleanor returned from her organising, it appears she takes most of that responsibility on. Revealing that "We argue a lot, Matt puts his foot down, but also back downs, if that makes sense?" emitting a sly smile. Matt welcomes feedback and acknowledged that "if she is not happy with what I am doing then she won't do a job. If I am convinced it is the right thing I have to tell her". He sees no role for compromise because "you get something no-one likes", he prefers to start again from scratch or to keep it the same.
The fact that it is so hard to pin down the sound of The Fiery Furnaces, raised contented smiles from the two protagonists. Eleanor referred to an article in Time Out magazine that listed "about twenty five bands and said we sound like none of them." Her brother pointed out that pigeon holing does have its advantages and is "Inevitable. Pigeon holing Rock music allows you to follow rules and then break them". Then taking the opportunity to explain about his past musical influences: "When I was a lad you had to like a certain set of bands and I hated that." He went on to clarify that one reason for liking The Who was "they were different live then on album." Did this apply to them? A question which evokes an enthusiastic response from the young sister of the group; "We have to have another performance a new format (in support of Hot Hot Heat). It is a full on rock show." She explained that they added silly touches to songs like opener "Up In The North". The composition of the band has also changed as they have two new members.
A tactical decision was made at this point to investigate the personalities of the siblings by enquiring what song, book, poem or TV character summed them up the best or that they related to? Matt was quick to answer citing a quote from Seinfield's George Costanza, who was talking about going for a job:
"These are real men with jobs". Matt paused to laugh before adding "I like obnoxious snobs". His sister took longer to reply and was deep in thought for a moment or two, sensing a possible awkward moment I offered to move on. She then admitted; "I really Annie the sensible girl character I like everyone. I saw it recently." When engaged as to their future plans they both answered with renewed vigour that they are looking forward to releasing a "more poppy than the album version of Tropical Iceland". Eleanor spoke enthusiastically of their first video "it's going to be a pop up animated and half live" offering, which sounds very intriguing, don't you think? They pointed out that the new single will also contain the much lauded number 'I Lost My Dog But Now He Is found' it is not a sad lost dog story as it's writer Matt informed me but about finding religious enlightenment. He added "I like it when people misconstrue our songs" that is what makes music individual in his eyes.
With the sound check looming it was time to wrap with an enquiry as to what or who makes them angry? "I am always angry" asserts Matt, whereas, his sister admitted she can be immature; "When I think something is going one way and it doesn't. What is the word?" she asks inquisitively, to which her brother gladly helps out; "Being a baby". Then admitted she likes having a plan while big brother likes "to make a new plan. The last words should go to Eleanor who confessed:
"I am more anal than Matt, Mojo said Matt was the anal one, but it's me."
