Fruit Bats - "Tripper"

Eric D. Johnson and his now, decade-old band, Fruit Bats return with their fifth album Tripper, out today on Sub Pop. The new album is a slight departure from the sunny, guitar-based folk of his previous albums, instead featuring more synths and a focus on story-based lyrics, all while retaining Eric’s high tenor and penchant for 70’s pop.

“Tony The Tripper” opens the album with tinkling piano and pump organ played by Richard Swift on the tone-setting psychedelic, road-tripping song. “So Long” is dreamy and spectral, adding a touch of girl-group sheen to the longing lyrics on the standout track. First single, “Tangie And Ray” is twangy, shuffling and upbeat despite the darker lyrical themes. “Shivering Fawn” shimmers and shines with rippling washes of synths and Johnson’s knack for writing about nature. “You’re Too Weird” features his falsetto against a smooth, piano-led pop-number with a faded guitar solo and a sing-along chorus. “Heart Like An Orange” is led by a rollicking beat, vintage synths and angelic background vocals on the swelling chorus. The super-poppy “Dolly” stands out with rich synths and a tapping, danceable beat. “The Banishment Song” begins with an instrumental interlude of acoustic guitar and ambient nature sounds, then flows into a laid-back, jazzy tune with falsetto vocal melodies. “The Fen” is a short, moody instrumental with lilting organs. Next is “Wild Honey”, a cover song in tribute to friend and Chicago songwriter Diane Izzo who passed away of brain cancer the first day of the recording sessions for the album. And the introspective and charming “Picture Of A Bird” closes the album in an upbeat mood.

After working singularly on film soundtracks (Ceremony), and collaborating with a full band on 2009’s The Ruminant Band, as well as touring with the Shins and Vetiver over the last few years, Eric found the perfect balance with Tripper for the best Fruit Bats album yet.


Download "Tangie And Ray" here: http://assets3.subpop.com/assets/audio/9788.mp3

For more info click here: http://fruitbatsmusic.com/ and http://www.subpop.com/