‘Sleep is the only thing more important to us than sex.’ | Being Dead give us a track-by-track breakdown of EELS

Being Dead are no strangers to chaos. The Austin-based duo of Falcon Bitch and Shmoofy have built their reputation on scuzzy rock anthems that feel like inside jokes set to music – and their latest release, EELS, is no exception. A mix of surf-rock, lo-fi psychedelia, and oddball narratives, this album sees the band stretching their creative limits while maintaining their signature sense of humour.

From the perspective of an overworked Dalmatian firefighter to a love song dedicated to a sexy ghost, EELS is as unpredictable as it is captivating. But beneath the playful exterior, there’s a deeper exploration of themes like identity, absurdity, and the strange ways we relate to our bodies and the world around us. Being Dead approach their music with the same irreverence they bring to their live shows – and they’re here to walk us through each track, peeling back the layers of absurdity to reveal the human heart (or, in some cases, the monster) lurking underneath. Buckle in for a breakdown that’s as wild, weird, and wonderful as the album itself.

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Godzilla Rises

Three eligible bachelors grapple to take down a most vicious creature, only to find that the fiercest monsters possess the softest hearts. O beast of faithful devotion! We pledge our hearts to thee! Sometimes, the journey bears the sweetest fruit… This is one of those times. We also just love a three-part harmony — so this one is dear to us. 

Van Goes

Ever had a job before? You may be able to relate. We wrote this one in 5 minutes. This song is NOT safe for work. Because “bosses” are at work. Rock and roll is hard work but working hard is certainly harder work when being rocked by your place of work. When we were developing this one, we called it the ‘Interpol Song’ — it came together during a practice session goof-off.

Blanket of My Bone

This song is about feeling estranged from your physical form! How weird is it to have a body, guys? This is probably one of our more ambitious songs — we had to record some sections in segments and assemble it like a puzzle. It was a little tricky with the casio beat in the chorus because we had to dial in the pitch with the whammy pedal. We like how wonky it sounds. It feels like you’re on a boat. 

Problems

We used to refer to this one as “moody attitudey.” This one is like a movie. We tried to write it like a movie. But instead of watching it, you hear it — not unlike a movie but without the cameras.

Firefighters

The song is told from the perspective of a Dalmatian who is overworked at their fire station. This pup has seen some stuff go down. Fighting fires is scary. It takes courage to defeat one. It takes true courage to be defeated. Fire is painful no matter what.

Dragons ll

This is our serious song — no more goofin’ off! This song is mostly about not knowing how to help a situation. We even ended up using the original tape demo as the final track on the album because it simply has ~ the magic ~ 

Nightvison

This one is an older tune — we wrote it a few years back. The verses had a completely different melody, but we wanted it to be a bit more rock-like. It still feels a little soft compared to how it has developed in the live set. We love dreams and dreaming; enjoy.

Gazing at Footwear

This song was just meant to be a short interlude moment, but it kind of put on its own shoes and hat and got down to business. We had fun writing and recording this one. It’s inspired by Duster and David Lynch.

Big Bovine

This is our Western song on EELS. It was also the last song we wrote for this album before we went out to LA to record it. This features our signature family-style recording method.

Storybook Bay

This is our little interlude song. It was going to be fuzzy and digital, but it became something else in the studio when we got our paws on the mellotron! Delicious.

Ballerina

Get your stinking toot off that boot — it’s time to scoot and hoot! This is our club hit that should get the blood-beater ripping! Don’t be afraid to try a cool move or a neat jump. This one is for everyone. Most importantly, this song is meant to give you the courage to ask that sweet summertime crush to follow you out into the dance arena. 

Rock n Roll Hurts

This song came about from a practice session jam goof-off! It emerged and then lived on our voice notes for a year or so — only to rear its head every now and then. Once we got down to brass tax and shaping this album, we couldn’t shake the borderline intolerable pain from the rock n roll — so we were essentially forced to include this one on the record. And honestly, we’re glad we did. Nicole really shines in this one, and we all shine too. 

Love Machine

Ever been in love with something that isn’t “human”? Email us, please. This song is also about a crush — so don’t be afraid to listen to this one when you’re pining for your hottie *kiss*

I Was a Tunnel

This song was originally an outro to ‘Love Machine’, but she, too, demanded her own legs on which to stand. Tunnel systems are the unsung heroes of rainwater management in most urban centres — we consider ourselves to be like the tunnel system of America. 

Goodnight

This song is about being harassed by a sexy ghost late at night. At first, we are annoyed and sleep-deprived, but by the end of the track, we become possessive over the entity, and nothing will satisfy us like their late-night loving. This was one of the first songs we wrote for the album, so it really helped stomp the path down for the eels on which to walk.

Lilypad Lane

This song is about frogs. The only known predator of eels. We hate a happy ending, so naturally, we didn’t want to leave yall with some sappy bullshit. We really imagine we’re floating away from the frogs on the lily pads, smiling and waving goodbye as the eels are ripped to shreds. 

Photo credit: Athen Smith

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