Last Summer Merge***

With Fiery Furnaces, Eleanor Friedberger and her brother Matthew make the sort of DIY freak-pop that requires effort and not a small dose of patience to enjoy. But for her solo debut, the Chicagoan has toned down her idiosyncratic techniques. Last Summerallows Friedberger's eccentricity to percolate between the notes rather than overpower the listener, as heard on the subtly sinister Inn of the Seventh Rayand the demo-like feel of Early Earthquake. With most of these songs delivered via keyboards and strummed guitar, the warm, poppy strut of Heavenbest encapsulates the overall vibe, although Friedberger throws a curveball with the brilliant convergence of funk, indie-folk and violin on Roosevelt Island.You couldn't call it predictable, but it's certainly more accessible than much of her previous output. See eleanorfriedberger.com

Download tracks: Roosevelt Island, Heaven