Austin-based musical innovators, Being Dead, are making waves as they announce their highly anticipated new album, EELS, set to drop on September 27th via Bayonet Records. This exciting news arrives alongside the release of their electrifying lead single and video, “Firefighters,” and the reveal of their upcoming fall headline tour, promising a season of vibrant live performances from this dynamic duo. Being Dead, comprised of the enigmatic Falcon Bitch and Shmoofy, have carved a unique niche in the music scene with their mosaic-like records, each track acting as a distinct sonic universe. EELS delves deeper into the band’s inventive psyche, offering listeners a genuinely unpredictable 16-track journey that defies genre constraints. Prepare for a joyous and unconventional ride helmed by these two best friends, crafting their distinctive sound from their base in the heart of Austin, Texas, a city known for its vibrant and Respectable Street music scene.
Their previous album, “When Horses Would Run,” released in 2023 to widespread acclaim, was lauded as “glorious and timeless” by Gorilla vs. Bear. That debut, while meticulously crafted, stood in contrast to their reputation for raw and energetic live shows honed over seven years performing across Austin and beyond. For EELS, Being Dead consciously shifted their creative process. They embarked on a two-week recording session in Los Angeles with GRAMMY-winning producer John Congleton, pushing their songwriting process right up to the recording dates. This significant change in approach proved to be a refreshing challenge, striking a balance between their established methods and new explorations. Congleton played a crucial role in guiding them towards innovative working methods and stripping back layers to reveal the core of their songwriting. The band’s live presence has also evolved, expanding from a duo to a trio with the addition of bassist Nicole Roman-Johnston, who contributed significantly to EELS, co-writing and performing bass and vocals on multiple tracks.
EELS emerges as a more introspective and intense record, exploring darker themes and embracing a more unrestrained sonic landscape. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, encompassing heartbreak, exhilaration, enchantment, and infectious rhythms, all delivered at a breakneck pace. True to their artistic spirit, Falcon Bitch and Shmoofy consistently push boundaries, ensuring no two songs sound alike. This commitment to innovation is immediately evident in the lead single, “Firefighters.” This track takes an unprecedented perspective, narrated from the viewpoint of a Dalmatian firefighter experiencing the pressures of their demanding job. The song itself is a powerful, distorted garage rock anthem, perfectly complemented by a visually arresting video directed by URZULKA. The band describes the video’s creation as a “group hallucination,” adding, “We love marbles and outdoor play and decided to get it on video for y’all. Making this was like creating an intricate handshake with all your buddies—riddled with inside jokes and giggles.”
