Concert Review: The Fiery Furnaces

The Fiery Furnaces, with Grand Ole Party and El Ten Eleven

Better than: A friendly fist bump

By RICHARD GINTOWT

There are all kinds of ways to get off on the wrong foot with the Fiery Furnaces. If – like me – your first real impression of the band was Rehearsing My Choir (a 2005 concept album narrated by their grandmother), you may not have the entire picture. The paternal duo of Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger reveals more of themselves with each album and tour, seemingly taking a perverted pleasure in messing with their audience’s expectations.

Last night’s performance at the Record Bar was the closest thing to vintage Fiery Furnaces that exists: a totally absorbing, fucked-up amalgam of inspiration and perspiration.