handsome furs, sound kapital

if you couldn't tell from the mix i posted a while back, i like the handsome furs. my obsession started some time after face control came out. i needed my wolf parade fix and spencer krug's numerous spin offs just weren't cutting it (i do really like sunset rubdown, but that's another story). but the handsome furs aren't just a wolf parade sound alike. the married couple is about making awesome music. i probably wore out face control several times over, but i kept going back. it was worth it.

atkins told me that their new album was out, and on emusic. no hesitation. i hoped for at least something on par with the previous album, but, ever the pessimist, prepared for something sub-par. what i got was sound kapital, an album inspired and written during the couples' trip abroad in southeast asia, and elsewhere (i believe the title refers to the beijing punk underground, but i'm too lazy to do real research). the album continues along the premise of the handsome furs' bare guitar, synth and drums construction, most of the songs are quick, ragged and immediately dance-able. it's a lot of fun.

[the album cover, edited for all audiences]

but it's album's heart-on-sleeve mentality that pushes it over the top in my mind. the songs are refreshingly forthright (i love the line, "a thousand lonely kids making noise in the basement" on "cheap music"). many artists seem content to exploit a trip abroad to "raise awareness" or fill stadiums to generate support that often seems more about the band than the people in need. this band took a trip and made really, really good music about it. this isn't about guilt, fixing people or romanticizing them. they're telling a story.

but it also serves as the band's statement on what they want/need to believe. one of my favorite songs, "repatriated" ends with a call to arms (or wish?):

I've seen the future
And its comin' in low
I've seen the future
I will never be repatriated

love it. there's something so honest about their entire approach to this album that is fantastic. even their maxims are filled with self-doubt.

typically, pitchfork (now 15) sums it up best:

With new wave confections like "Memories of the Future" and "What About Us", Sound Kapital effectively conjures an alternate 1980s where Bruce Springsteen didn't just tinker around with synths and drum machines on occasion, but actually tried to make a full-on Depeche Mode record.

hope you enjoy.

jason

also, let's give this new spotify thing a try, i believe clicking on this link should open up he album in spotify if you're a member. if you're not, you should be.