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            Track of the Week #10: Devendra Banhart - 'Fig in Leather'

            Track of the Week #10: Devendra Banhart - 'Fig in Leather'

            Tuesday Jul 31st 2018

            Every week, we’ll bring you a must-hear track from the Le Guess Who? 2018 line-up. This week, it's a synth-driven song by singer-songwriter Devendra Banhart, with nonchalant nods to disco. ...

            News snacks

            Every week, we’ll bring you a must-hear track from the Le Guess Who? 2018 line-up. This week, it's a synth-driven song by singer-songwriter Devendra Banhart, with nonchalant nods to disco. 

            In his musical career, Banhart isn't often associated with danceable music, but right from the start 'Fig in Leather' is irresistible to move to. Filled to the brim with catchy guitar chops, seductive synth tones and playful percussion, Banhart tells the story of an aging man seducing a pretty, young lady. Situated in the imaginary space of a shady, unnamed Japanese hotel, Banhart accentuates this peculiar scene by adding Oriental melodies and incidentally singing in broken English.

            Characterized by Banhart's praised humorous approach of songwriting, this song - due to the warm, delicious kitschy tunes - could easily feature the flashy soundtrack played in the lobby of the imaginary hotel. In the meanwhile, the old man is still desperately trying to win the heart of a very cool lady: 

            With 'Fig in Leather' being our tenth Track of the Week, we've brought all weekly tracks together in one playlist; listen below via Spotify, or via Deezer or Apple Music.

            "The theme itself is exactly like you said, the male ego. The guy in “Fig in Leather” is this aging person trying to seduce this younger person with totally obsolete technology, and it’s totally in vain. That’s really a fun character to play with, and one I can identify with." - Devendra Banhart

            Devendra Banhart will curate as well as perform at Le Guess Who? 2018. His curated program features Vashti Bunyan, Ebo Taylor, Joan of Arc, Beverly Glenn-Copeland, Rodrigo Amarante, Shannon Lay, Jessica Pratt, Shintaro Sakamoto, SASAMI, and many more.

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