2012 saw the release of critically acclaimed album A Thing Called Divine Fits, by what, ostensibly, could be called a “super-group.” Divine Fits is the new project comprised of Britt Daniel (Spoon), Dan Boeckner (Handsome Furs/Wolf Parade), Sam Brown (New Bomb Turks) and keyboardist Alex Fische. A Thing Called Divine Fits was recorded in March/May 2012 on Merge Records and was produced by Nick Launay (who has worked with Talking Heads, Arcade Fire, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds).
Divine Fits are a multi-genre act blending Rock, New Wave, Punk, and Pop. If you are just picking through the album looking for Spoon tracks, you might as well go to “Flaggin a Ride”. Written by Britt Danial and featuring him on vocals, this is as close as it gets. But, Dan Boeckener seems to be the creative force behind this album. And many of the collaborations like “What Gets You Alone” and “Would That Not Be Nice” provide the overall tone of the album and will most likely be the cause of ecstatic fits by the general audience and critics.
“Like Ice Cream” is the quintessential rock song, injecting sexual innuendo into seemingly innocent or nostalgic archetypes. Daniel’s lyrics are provocative, “Whisper it to me the way that you want me” and “I coulda took all night-she waited for me like ice cream.” My pick for 80’s anthem on the album? It has to be “Baby Get Worse,” a synth-bass driven tour de force. But, Divine Fits reach to the other side of the keyboard with "Civilian Stripes," an acoustic interlude that offers a reprieve from the stage lights and explores the “quiet life” brooding, “You know you can always leave, when the curtain drops and you get tired.”
Is this band for real? Whether this “super-group” is a flash in the pan or here for multiple albums, Divine Fits are currently on tour as a unit. Neither Daniel nor Boeckner have suggested that you will not hear more from this outfit. Grateful Web still suggests seeing Divine Fits live while they come through Colorado this December. Find them On Tour.
