Man, I was so bummed when the Handsome Furs had to cancel their appearance at Monolith because of some border issues. Quite the drag. But it looks like I’ll get to make up for it in ’09 with the Handsome Fur’s appearance in Kentucky and at SXSW. They’re touring in support of their new album Face Control, which we get our first taste of with “I’m Confused.” (via Stereogum)

MP3: Handsome Furs – I’m Confused
Fans of the Handsome Furs’ debut album Plague Park, myself included, might find themselves thinking that “I’m Confused” has a pretty fitting title. Plague Park was mostly about slow-burning songs that unwrapped a bit with each listen. But “I’m Confused” leaves little to unwrap, considering the song is shoved in your face from the onset. On my first set of listenings, I’m inclined to say that isn’t a bad thing either. “I’m Confused” has a rocking riff and loads of energy. Also is that a “Dirty Old Town” reference in there? I like to think so.

Face Control is out March 10th on Sub Pop

Handsome Furs Tour Dates
02/09 – Berlin, Germany @ Bang Bang Club
02/11 – Paris, France @ Point Ephemere (Super Festival)
02/12 – Besançon, France @ Le Cylindre (Generiq Festival)
02/13 – Dijon, France @ Le Vapeur (Generiq Festival)
02/14 – Belfort, France @ La Poudrière (Generiq Festival)
02/15 – Zurich, Switzerland @ Abart (Generiq Festival)
02/17 – Brescia, Italy @ Lio Bar
02/18 – Milan, Italy @ La Casa 139
02/19 – Bologna, Italy @ Lokomotiv
02/20 – Rome, Italy @ Traffic (Generiq Festival)
02/21 – St. Malo, France @ Route du Rock Winder Edition Festival
03/12 – Ottawa, ON @ Mavericks
03/13 – Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe Tavern
03/14 – Champaign, IL @ Blind Pig
03/15 – Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
03/16 – St Louis, MO @ Off Broadway
03/17 – Columbia, MO @ Mojo’s
03/20 – Austin, TX @ Club Deville
03/21 – Dallas, TX @ The Loft
03/23 – Lawrence, KS @ Jackpot Saloon
03/25 – Fargo, ND @ Aquarium (Dempsey’s Upstairs)
03/26 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St Entry
03/27 – Ames, IA @ Maintenance Shop
03/28 – Iowa City, IA @ The Mill
03/30 – Newport, KY @ Southgate House
04/01 – Rochester, NY @ Bug Jar
04/02 – Syracuse, NY @ Spark Art Space