Sound Kapital (Bonus Track Version)

Dan Boeckner and wife Alexei Perry have traveled a fair amount, and it’s clear that recent visits to China and Southeast Asia have colored some of the sentiments on Sound Kapital. Consider the title, a nod to the underground music scene in China. Consider the cover art: a bridge between Western audacity and Soviet industrial artwork of the early 20th century. On Sound Kapital, themes of struggle and freedom run through the lyrics, and the music is largely electronic (drums, sinewy synths, little guitar). Much of the record was written and recorded on the road, in immediate response to experiences on the streets of Bangkok and the sweaty clubs of Bejing. Occasional hints at triumphant arena-rock are surprising, but effective: “Repatriated” could be a U2 song, strained and filtered through the Furs’ lean aesthetic and penchant for sharp dance beats. Trading in the gritty guitars and unsettled energy of Face Control, the songs here have a smoother, electro-pop feel, and Boeckner has never exhibited more rock-star quality in his voice. Sound Kapital is adventurous, exciting, and maintains the Furs’ glinting edge we’ve come to expect.