“Former Fires” by Tell Me Tell Me: This Song Is About The Past

Author

Trixie Rasputin

Stream Former Fires

"We don't even know about all of the former fires..."

That's how "Former Fires," the 2023 single from Bay Area powerhouse rock duo Tell Me Tell Me begins, with lyrics that burst through the music like juicy gossip about someone you thought you knew better than that. The way this line is delivered makes you wonder why you weren't already questioning these former fires, and why there were so many. The light tapping of a high hat and a simple repeating riff lead the listener further into the story, "...simmering below the coal that only needed just a little air.." GASP. WHAT? The former fires are still lit? Hands fly up to cover mouths gone agape at hearing of this unfinished business. The verse continues on this riff with more lyrics to explain: "Haven’t even felt that the hunger has gone missing/The appetite to fill the hole oh where oh where did it go." The shock! The awe! The sting of a limb waking up!

You think this sad story of a life half lived ends here?? Think again! Now we get swept into a crescendo of bold chords, more electrified and powerful than before, as the anger of realization starts bubbling up. Maybe it was under the surface, but now all the past hurts have come back loud, angry, and refusing to be ignored. This chorus section of the song has my favorite line of all, "The yearning/the aching/the pure intensity/requires delay." Days, months, years later, and all the feels are suddenly fighting it out for their free rent. I love you/I hate you are locked in a standoff.

I really appreciate the vivid fire imagery in this song ("breathe fire, breathe in"), conveying the idea that big emotions can smolder beneath a veil of apathy. It only takes but a breath of air to set the whole thing ablaze. Later in the song, more lyrics drive home the point of it all: "Shock into the mind to come to terms with a liar." Aha! So, somebody was certainly up to no good, and just look at the mess they made. Tsk tsk. But the final line of the song is everything... I won't say it for fear of a spoiler, but in the end you're left wondering, who was actually the one to blame for these former fires? 

The music that accompanies this tale of belated woe is the signature sound of Michael Bang, a music school educated songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who understands the power of a well timed burst of electricity. He is known for playing an acoustic guitar in a way that sometimes turns it into an electric guitar, and sometimes you might believe it's a keyboard. Drummer Dan Coxon keeps a mean beat that gives Michael lots of freedom to wile out. Tell Me Tell Me makes the most of this unique and interesting perspective on what they call "dance-grunge", and I recommend you treat yourself to a live show as soon as you get the chance. Perhaps 5/18 in Oakland?

The whole Tell Me Tell Me catalog is an awesome listen that will remind you of bands like LCD Soundsystem, Frightened Rabbit, Arcade Fire, and The Fiery Furnaces. It's a 5/5 for me! 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥