Figurines’ third effort take quite a leap away from the often manic expression that characterized both their debut, ‘Shake A Mountain’ (2003), and praised sophomore album, ‘Skeleton’ (2006). This time the Danish quintet’s gone all Brian Wilson on us and fans dedicated to the “old” Figurines stand a good chance of being disappointed. But ‘When The Deer Wore Blue’ rewards the patient listener.

Produced by Jeremy Lemos (Smog, Jim O’Rourke, Sonic Youth, Yeah Yeah Yeahs among others) the album salutes and updates the 60s pop and rock as it was made by the likes of Beach Boys and Zombies with grandiose choir arrangements, organ and intense use of the tambourine. There’s no doubt that we’re still dealing with Figurines in ‘Bee Dee’ and ‘Childhood Verse’, while first single ‘Hey Girl’ covers both then and now. ‘When The Deer Wore Blue’, however, is a much more integrated album than Figurines’ earlier work and especially ‘Let’s Head Out’ and ‘The Air We Breathe’ are nothing short of great, the latter adding volumes to Christian Hjelm’s range as a singer.

Since ‘Skeleton’ there’s also been some changes in the Figurines lineup. Multi-instrumentalist Jens Ramon is a brand new face while live guitarist Mads Kjaergaard has taken over from Andreas Toft on bass, Toft having quit the band to focus on his philosophy studies. Very mature. As ‘When The Deer Wore Blue’.

Genre: Rock
Who: Figurines
Title: When The Deer Wore Blue
Label: Morningside Records/Playground
Year: 2007
Country: Denmark
Language: English
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Recommended tracks:
The Air We Breathe – Hey Girl – Let’s Head Out – Drunkard’s Dream