aaamusic | On 17, Dec 2012

Futur Primitif are an electronic/electric folk duo (light on the electronics), and is the brainchild of exceptional singer-songwriter Daniel Lefkowitz. Completed by synth and drum machine programmer Jared Elmore, Futur Primitif make crackly, distorted indie folk, with ‘Nuclear Shockwave’ – their first single – incorporating Americana blues and subtle shoegazing noise pop.

Once upon a time, Daniel Lefkowitz was a member of The Low Anthem, but – according to the holy source of truth Wikipedia – left to “pursue a simple living in a yurt in Arkansas.” It’s easy to see why The Low Anthem initially welcomed Lefkowitz; his songwriting style is suitably rough and soulful. He remains friends with the premier US indie-folk band, having toured with them under another moniker, and Futur Primitif’s debut album – ‘Machineteeth’ – will feature members of The Low Anthem.

However, unlike The Low Anthem, Futur Primitif have managed to retain a sense of everyman mystery – their raw, minimal indie-folk replacing any greater sense of avant-garde pretense with modest indie drum beats and fitting guitar fuzz. ‘Nuclear Shockwave’ is a fine example of American indie-folk, and several leagues above any UK nu-folk recordings.

★★★★★

Clive Rozario