by The Fiery Furnaces
2003, Rough Trade Records

the sound: You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and with its debut album, “Gallowsbird’s Bark,”  The Fiery Furnaces hit the ground running, injecting its unique sound into the indie rock scene. On the album’s first track, “South is Only a Home,” singer Eleanor Friedberger talks/sings/chants the lyrics over her brother Matthew’s driving guitar and drum beat, while in the background it sounds like someone’s kitten is running across the piano. Eleanor actually sing-speaks the lyrics over many of the songs, her smoky voice narrating the cacophony of sounds that her brother supplies. Matthew’s guitar riffs and piano are often accompanied by static, zips and whistles. “I woulda had a asthma attack / If I seen the shark bite back,” Eleanor states in “Asthma Attack,” a catchy number with bluesy guitar and a bass line that sounds like someone is randomly grabbing the strings. “Tropical Ice-Land” would make for the coolest Bacardi commercial ever, and “Bow Wow” has the Quaaludy-feel of a theme to a ’70s sitcom. “Crystal Clear” includes a thump to rival The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army,” plus the added bonus of the chant, “Filthy, dirty, cloudy, muddy, messy, mucky, crystal clear.”

the background: Originally from Oak Park, Ill., The Friedbergers formed The Fiery Furnaces in Brooklyn in 2000. Matthew was responsible for the writing and instrumental playing, and Eleanor was in charge of the vocals. Matthew occasionally contributes his voice, as well, such as on “Inca Rag / Name Game.” While The Furnaces are often compared to the White Stripes, the Freidbergers really are brother and sister, unlike Jack and Meg White. The Fiery Furnaces greatest strength lies in the band’s wildly original sound, which results largely from Matthew’s lyrics. Many of the songs seem to speak of another era, many with a gritty, Gothic feel, such as the line, “That easy-going man of blood / Mucking out in the McLennan county mud / If you’re hoping he won’t, well of course then he must / Driving his truck through the McLennan county dust,” from “We Got Back the Plague.” Another exemplary line comes from “Two Fat Feet,” in which Eleanor sings, “Sneaky cheeks chewin’ greasy gums / You got a wing in your snaggle tooth / And you can’t knock it back with no 80-proof.” When Eleanor sings about a cheating man in “Worry Worry,” you can almost picture her bedecked in crinoline.

the significance: Despite garnering huge praise and a loyal following, The Fiery Furnaces haven’t succumbed to the pressure that accompanies success. Their similar-sounding 2004 follow-up, “Blueberry Boat,” was received equally well and satisfied fans. But in 2005, The Furnaces showed the music world they weren’t a one-trick pony with “Rehearsing My Choir,” a concept album that featured their grandmother telling stories about her life. It was met with puzzlement, confusing so many people that Matthew sent out a press release explaining the idea behind the album. The Fiery Furnaces recently wrapped up a tour to support the band’s sixth release, “Widow City.”