Numb.er, pronounced “nuhm-er,” is a dynamic musical project by Los Angeles artist, graphic designer, and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Fribourg. Originating in 2015 during Fribourg’s time with LA psych-kraut band Froth, Numb.er began as an outlet for his more introspective and dark musical leanings. Initially composed of bedroom demos, the project grew into a fully-realized band, characterized by a revolving ensemble of prominent musicians from the City of Angels’ vibrant DIY community.
The mesmerizing new single “Behind” serves as the gateway to Numb.er’s sophomore album, Regressions, resonating with the isolation and alienation that permeate the entire project. Distorted guitars and spectral synths create a haunting soundscape, embodying the angst and confusion inherent in the human yearning for intimacy. The track poignantly depicts the urge to escape misunderstanding, wrestling with whether to repair or relinquish a broken connection. “Behind” serves as a veiled correspondence to his different selves, filled with coded messages and enigmatic imagery. With echoes of the 90s, it invokes the spirit of the Dandy Warhols, Pixies, and The Breeders, rekindling the essence of that era while crafting something uniquely contemporary.
“For the Behind video we wanted to visualize the mental loops we can often get caught in. we started with the idea of shooting solely in bed,” says director Lida Fox (Cumgirl8).
“From that point we took small steps backwards until we ended up outside, running through streets, over bridges, and getting caught in physical reflections of water and buildings. we wanted the outdoor scenes to represent a dreamscape in which you’re constantly in motion and watching yourself from a disengaged perspective. to visualize the song’s intention of a distorted internal view, we used a 90s mini DV handicam that Jeff grew up shooting with, resulting in the style of a somewhat manic home video. the camera’s own technical glitches lended itself to the theme of mental/emotional distortion, which we manipulated further through editing and re-filming the video off of an old bus entertainment TV.”
Watch the video for “Behind” below:
Returning from an extended pause, Numb.er is ready to present their second album, Regressions. Jeff Fribourg’s journey towards this new work began in the solitude of a Paris hotel room in 2019, while collaborating with the renowned fashion house Celine. Armed with only crude Logic beats, a Moog synthesizer, and a DI guitar, Fribourg created early demos that functioned as a sonic journal, capturing his feelings of alienation and sadness as he dwelled alone in a foreign metropolis. After reconnecting with the vibrant pulse of Los Angeles in early 2020, Fribourg sought out the talents of producer Mike Kriebel, whose résumé includes collaboration with bands such as Institute, Drab Majesty, Vrsex, P22, Death Bells, and Thee Oh Sees. Together, they created Regressions, nurturing Fribourg’s raw, skeletal sketches into a lush and multi-dimensional auditory experience.
Since forming in 2018, Numb.er quickly gained a reputation as one of LA’s most exciting new bands. Several singles followed, as did a residency at the iconic Echo in Los Angeles and national and European tours with like-minded artists like the KVB and A Place to Bury Strangers.
The Regressions LP is out via Third Coming Records on October 6, 2023.
You can pre-order the album here.
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