It’s a really interesting thing to see – as we move into the future, and synths and electronica abound in the way we probably could have guessed it would, and the “future” seems to be happening right now, more and more artists seems to be looking back instead of forward. Brisbane’s The Furrs are one of these acts, with their jangly blues-rock providing the perfect antidote to the over-saturated electronic realm, and making it look damn easy all the while!
They’ve been described as lazy, but on listening to their debut self titled EP, and their aptly named sophomore EP, More Furrs, they’re really anything but. “Effortless” may be more accurate, with their breezy tunes hitting the nail right on the head and flowing so easily it feels like the tracks almost had to exist.
One of the most notable differences with More Furrs is hearing Gabriella Cohen step up to the mic for lead vocal duties, as opposed to Jim Griffin in their first release. However, change is not necessarily a bad thing – both vocal stylings are perfect for the music The Furrs make, and both EPs could easily be combined to create a pretty outstanding album.
Kicking things off with their latest single, No Control, it’s Gabriella’s swagger combined with good old fashioned rock’n’roll that immediately grabs you and forces you to pay attention. You WANT to pay attention. It’s upbeat and fun, delving into a more psych area than their blues-rock self-description suggests. Still bluesy, the hazy tune features distorted vocals, groovy riffs and stomping drums, and really gets things going from the first note. Refusing to let go, second track So Way Out is just as hip-shakingly jangly, with infectiously blistering riffs and the classic, almost American/highway 66 vocals of Jim detailing a bad trip – “I’m so way out that I’m in.” Next up is the slow burner duet, Flowers, which still sees the pair keeping with the psychedelia just as much as the blues. Loosening their grip a little, it’s a fun, tongue in cheek tune, but when it’s bookended by four raw, impossibly cool and at times raucous tracks, it feels a little like the odd one out.
Standout track I Tried To Love You is next, which is a more intimate, sensual number delivered from Gabriella’s dulcet voice, seductive bass and electrifying guitar interjecting Cohen’s lamenting. It’s certainly the sexiest blues ballad I’ve heard in a long time, and is a track that shows off The Furrs as more than a one trick pony.
Finally, we end on 66, a track which I’ve seen live and can guarantee it’s just as fun as you could imagine. Throwing back to the sounds of the American Route of the same name, this is the track that saw them being signed to an American booking agent. Jim takes on a Jagger style strut in his drawl, as the fast paced blues vibes are contagious. Epitomising the rock revival in one song, The Furrs are showing off just how revolutionary they’ve been said to be.
Seriously impressive, with just the right amount of confidence and ambition, it really is only a matter of time before The Furrs are leading the fight in the rock revival. It’s as refreshing as it is nostalgic, and puts the young Brisbane band leagues ahead of their peers. My only complaint is that an EP is simply not enough; I need even More Furrs in my ears!