The band took advantage of this peace and quiet, using Macfarlane's parents' garage in St Albans to record their debut album Friendly Fires.

In an interview in 2018 he stated, "it's not just the thrill of spotting the birds, but it's their vibrant colours, their peaceful, innocent nature and the sounds are a real inspiration and source of melody.

[4] While Macfarlane sings lead vocals and plays bass guitar and synth during Friendly Fires' live performances, it is his style of dancing that has received much of the attention surrounding their gigs.

"[5] Macfarlane's style of seemingly inexhaustible, conga-inspired dancing during the band's festival appearances and gigs has become legendary and customary at all their performances.

[6] In April 2009, the band performed at their first Coachella Festival, and despite the heat, the Friendly Fires frontman didn't disappoint fans, giving it his all: "I remember having about six bottles of water next to my synthesiser.

It has been rumoured that the initial idea to collaborate was hatched when the two bands performed and partied together at the 2009 Calvi on the Rocks summer music festival on the French island of Corsica.

[8] Macfarlane's vocals also feature on English electronic duo Disclosure's track "Defeated No More", which appears on the brother act's 2013 Mercury Prize-nominated debut album Settle.

Described as "A balance of powerful pop hooks and sonic experimentation that masterfully evoke the melancholy of lost summers and lonely outsider reveries",[11] Peeling Away the Ivy represented a stark departure from MacFarlane's past work.