 |
Long-lasting flavourThe Figgs have figured out the
|
Having formed in 1987 while still in their teens, the Figgs may have greyed a bit at the temples but the unique formula for picture-perfect power pop of this rock ’n’ roll trio from Saratoga Springs, NY, still hasn’t lost its sense of urgency and passion. The band’s penchant for writing true classics remains intact. Even after surviving the fallout from two major-label deals in the early and mid-’90s, which might’ve crushed lesser bands, the Figgs may indeed always remain the bridesmaids but prove to still burn bright. “We were a band for seven years before we ever got signed, and we were just doing it for fun,” says guitarist/singer Mike Gent. “After the major label thing it was really easy for us to just kind of get back to that because we were always pretty grounded. We’ve also been really lucky that we’ve built up this great fanbase that doesn’t need to be constantly reminded that we exist. It’s sort of the same as it’s always been—we still like to get together, joke around, write some songs and occasionally put out records.” The Figgs have in fact saved their best for last or at least latest, and despite their lack of major label muscle and publicist power, they’re still wowing fans and critics alike, releasing their shining recorded moment, Follow Jean Through the Sea, in 2006 maintaining a rep as one of the best bar bands presently touring. Maybe the true trick to the Figgs’ longevity is that the band has gotten out of the spin cycle of tour/record/tour that has laid waste to many of their contemporaries. “The last cross-country tour we did was five years ago. We’ve done that and seen those places so many times, and we just got tired of going out for months at a time. We have families now and that’s not necessarily a bad thing for the band because it’s just part of life. I think it would be a little crazy if we were just three bachelors nearing our forties and just constantly touring in a van. I can’t think of a more boring life.” WITH DEAD MESSENGER AND JIMMY |
