Without getting too deep into the details, let’s just say that certain projects arrive in my inbox carrying more intrigue than others. It doesn’t always pan out, of course, but that initial rush of wonder and possibility generally makes for a slightly more feverish first listen, if nothing else. Such was the case with Fig Season, the new trio fronted by Nadav Flax (Newark Wilder, Bitter, Loner, True Blossom). Having spent the better part of a decade as a standout member of some truly great local acts, Flax’s decision to assume the reigns and embrace the spotlight more than piqued my curiosity. The fact that his former Bitter bandmate and Cinema Novo vocalist Hassena Peera was also onboard only made the group’s prospects that much more compelling.
Given the range of sounds reflected in Flax’s resume, Fig Season could’ve spun off in any number of directions. And, who knows, perhaps they still will. For their debut single, however, the three-piece, which features Peera on bass and Max Greenfield on drums, offer up an aesthetic that’s highly indebted to the nineties underground. The nervy, angular guitars and soft-spoken melodies meld bits and pieces of DC post-punk and midwestern math rock and emo. In other words, taut, tension-filled guitar rock that isn’t afraid to veer off and wander into the weeds. Although “An Ending” hints at a big chorus and explosive release, it seems more content in taking small detours and exploring the peripheries.
At this juncture, the staid laws of music journalism dictate that I should make comparisons to previous projects. But, for now, I’ll only say Fig Season feels less of an extension of past work and more of a fresh start. The group itself likens their approach to a merger between Jawbox-style post-punk and Big Thief’s expansive indie folk. I think I can see that, even if one song can’t generate a full picture.
Still, if I had to make a link to one of Flax’s former bands it would be to Bitter and the way in which he similarly invokes themes of queer empowerment and capitalist greed. It’s been several years since he began his medical transition, and he’s used that time to examine and find power in his voice. On “An Ending” that means lashing out at the repressive excess of late-stage capitalism: “Do you dream of labor / Is your paycheck freedom / You can try to hold it down/ But Nature always wins.”
Filmed by AJ Simon at Standard Electric Recorders Co., the video delivers an honest assessment of the band and their present trajectory. There are no bells or whistles, just a tight and compact performance from a group that’s only beginning to find their footing. I’m more than happy to follow Fig Season down the nineties rock rabbit hole if that’s where they choose to travel, but something tells me there will be a few surprises along the way. Time will tell. In the meantime, you can expect two more live videos to surface over the coming months while Fig Season heads into the studio to record their debut full length.
Watch/listen above.
More Info
Bandcamp: foreverfigseason.bandcamp.com
Instagram: @foreverfigseason
SoundCloud: @figseason