Once There Was
Self-Released, 2025
8/10
A Connecticut progressive outfit spearheaded by Jeff Brewer and Robert Hutchinson, as The Far Cry they touch on the ‘70s via these 4 lengthy and involved tracks.
“Unholy Waters” opens the listen with ambient sounds, before Brewer’s firm bass playing and Brendan Kinchla’s soaring guitar licks flow alongside Hutchinson’s complicated drumming and Chris Dabbo’s buzzing keys. At over 14 minutes, both busy bouts and calm moments are utilized, and “Crossing Pangea” follows with gentle ebbs of intimacy in between the rock fueled parts.
The back half includes the pretty keys of “The Following”, where Brewer’s flowing voice is met with dynamic instrumentation and plenty of melodic gestures, while the title track exits with 30+ minutes of cinematic qualities, spoken word, thick retro-rock and rhythmic interaction.
Both Brewer and Hutchinson were in Holding Pattern at one point in their lives, and that experience helps shape the exciting tempo shifts and atypical time signatures of this modern prog-rock that is quite detailed.
Travels well with: Pymlico- Supermassive; Castle Mountain Moon- Six Tales Of Perception