This new single popped up on eMusic today. They have it labeled as an advance (April 11) and exclusive to their service. There was no other information available. No mention of it at the French Kiss label or the band’s site either so I resorted to google. Found out it’s a special Australian tour cd single put out by Pop Frenzy. There’s an interesting history of that label here. Apparently they’re involved with promoting tours in Australia for indie bands in addition to being a record label. They also specialize in releasing exclusive material by the artists they promote, like the Les Savy Fav single. It must be coming out in the States on French Kiss in April.

These two songs are really good. I’m pretty sure it’s brand new material as opposed to previously unreleased leftovers. Singer Tim Harrington mentions it in a recent interview with the Australian site (another new discovery for me) FasterLouder.com.au. “When You Wake Up a Snake” has a simple, satisfying vocal melody set to an equally straightforward guitar and piano accompaniment. It seems to be about accepting your present circumstances rather than dwelling on the choices leading up to them or worrying about what will happen in the future. So if you happen to wake up as a fish, “Don’t dream of the time you spent before the line / Or how someone will sup when yours is finally up.” The second song, “Rage in the Plague Age,” is revved up art punk, completely the opposite of the elegant “Snake.” On the surface it’s a narrative tale about a king being turned out of his castle because he’s stricken by the plague. It probably has a deeper significance but I haven’t decided what it is.

Plagues & Snakes made me realize I need to listen to Les Savy Fav more often. I have a couple of their albums that I’ve heard a few times but never really got to know them. It’s just one of those things that happens when you’re awash in a constant stream of new music. I pulled out The Cat and the Cobra again and listened to the new single a good half dozen times. Really enjoyed them both. Noisy guitar based indie rock- my favorite!