The Far Cry has – If Only (2021)
The Far Cry’s debut album If Only is an impressive progressive rock debut recording. The musicians are excellent instrumentalist who are deeply inspired by 1970s progressive rock bands. Ironically, the opening track on the album, “The Mask of Deception” is my least favorite. The first half of the piece features generic hard rock guitars and unappealing AOR-style vocals with lyrics that rail against lockdowns and masking. Truly incomprehensible, considering the damage the coronavirus is causing. Anyhow, the second half of the track starts to show the progressive rock nature of the band, especially the keyboard work.
The music and lyrics on track 2, “Programophone”, are much more satisfying. The song features spoken word vocals that criticize social media and the music streaming platforms that continue to damage musicians and control the music people listen to. On the music side, The Far Cry uses complex rhythm patterns and stellar guitar work.
Next is a beautiful acoustic guitar instrumental piece titled “Winterlude” that has an early Genesis feel.
Track 4, “Simple Pleasures” ventures into gratifying epic symphonic progressive rock, with some of the best instrumental work on the album in terms of soaring guitars, keyboards, bass lines and drums. However, I found the Styx-style vocals unappealing.
“The Missing Floor” (track 5) contains delightful keyboard and drum work, as well as finely-crafted time signature changes. The guitars are a mixed bag, ranging from tiresome hard rock riffing to spectacular shredding.
Track 6, “Winterlude Waning” is another lovely instrumental with neoclassical piano, string synths and bass.
The title track “If Only” (track 7), begins with a tranquil Steve Hackett acoustic-guitar passage that leads into insipid AOR-style vocals. This is the longest suite on the album and as it progresses, it gets better, with fantastic high energy, Yes-inspired instrumental sections, including a superb grand finale with majestic keyboards, soaring guitars and creative drum work.
The final track is the instrumental composition “Dream Dancer.” It starts as a calm, laid back piece that highlights the bass as a lead instrument and builds up nicely with drums and keyboards.
The band includes Chris Dabbo on piano, keyboards, and vocals; Robert Hutchinson on drums, percussion, bells, and spoken word; Jeff Brewer on lead and backing vocals, bass, bass synth, bass pedals, guitar; and Bryan Collin on lead guitar, electric and acoustic guitars. Guests: Richard Silva on keyboards (track 2); and Kendra Emery on alto and tenor saxophone on track 1.
Buy If Only