I first came to know F & M, back in 2008 with the release of their album Lightbulbs. A fun, lighthearted, yet somehow still Krautrock-inspired adventure. Lightbulbs offered toe-tapper tracks like Knickerbocker, Uh, Dishwasher and Rook to Queens Pawn. I must say I was excited to see how the band's sound had progressed with their recently released 4th album, Ventriloquizzing.
It seems the band has found themselves in a much more experimental mode and I'm still not entirely sure if I can say if it has been a positive progression. What I do find with this album in stark contrast to the previous release are its repeatative lyrics, almost as if the sheer repetition is meant as a statement itself. I'm also seeing more of the band's twisted sense of humor creep out in the tracks on this album. One of my favorite tracks on the album called Minestrone, describes a detailed meeting with the devil in which a thermos of soup is exchanged...Minestrone of course. The track is embellished by some nice organs and bass lines. There is also some sort of quality in lead singer David Bests' voice that is reminiscent of INXS' late Micheal Hutchence's.
Another stand-out track on the album for me is Sixteen Shades of Black and Blue, albeit a darker tune, yet enjoyable and catchy all the same. I also noticed that in addition to the repetition of lyrics there seems to be a theme with "Taiwanese Leather and Taiwanese Boots," as well as commentary on food. Lyrics like "Not everyone can afford to eat as healthily as you do." "A scooped out avocado, filled up with Bamboo, not everyone can eat like you." "Nibbling couscous and sucking lemons, licking hummus off a plastic spoon, you look ridiculous wearing Taiwanese boots, made of Taiwanese leather." I'm not too sure if this is some sort of commentary on leather-wearing vegetarian hipsters, or if they're just having a fun little poke at people who enjoy health food. Either way it's not taking itself too seriously and it's mildly entertaining to listen to.
Fujiya & Miyagi 'Ventriloquizzing' teaser by fulltimehobby
All being said, this is an enjoyable album....heavier on the experimental side, with a few stand-outs tracks. I think it requires a background in the band's previous albums and a little bit of patience and it will grow on you. Fujiya and Miyagi are making their way to Los Angeles at and London and places in between soon. Also, their website is pretty cool and worth checking out and playing around on.
http://www.fujiya-miyagi.co.uk/
@The Echo in Los Angeles Sunday March 20th
Buy Tickets for Fujiya & Miyagi
@Heaven in London Tuesday March 8th
Buy Tickets for Fujiya & Miyagi
-Laurita in LA
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