There Be Monsters
Get Loud, 2021
8/10
A Portland outfit comprised of Andy McFarlane, Ivan Howard (The Rosebuds) and producer Matt Drenik , as Far Lands this sophomore album arrives after the death of McFarlane’s parents and the dissolution of his marriage, which has laid the groundwork for a new chapter in his creative output.
The title track starts the listen and make an immediate impression somewhere between folk and Americana as warm acoustic guitar and smooth singing steers a very agile opener that’s quite indebted to the Pacific Northwest’s lush landscape, and “Oh, Molly” continues with frisky drumming alongside a soulful approach that embraces brass and seems like it could have been penned in the ‘70s.
Closer to the middle, the moody pop sensibilities of “Gretchen” also brings a blurry jazz influence, while “Noting Angles” welcomes atmosphere as dreamy backing vocals add much appeal to the playful nature. “Your Photograph”, one of the album’s best, then places poetry from Howard into a reflective climate of light and airy instrumentation that’s both mysterious and alluring.
Near to the end, ‘Live With Me” is absorbing and melodic indie-rock that’s richly textured with a nostalgic slant, and “One Horse Rider” slips some rugged roots rock stabs into very cozy electric guitar and ‘60s ideas that exit on a very high note.
An absorbing listen that’s capable of minimal beauty as well as gritty moments of busy rock, the strings, horns, synth, guitars and, of course, McFarlane’s inviting pipes, are used superbly, effectively making Far Lands yet another Portland band that should be on everyone’s radar.
Travels well with: Sunset Lines- Home Anywhere; Corvair- Corvair