The Far Meadow — Given The Impossible (Bad Elephant Music, 2016)
London-based progressive rock quintet The Far Meadow delivered a breathtaking symphonic masterpiece with their 2016 album, Given the Impossible. This is progressive rock at its finest: bold, intricate, and moving. At the heart of this brilliance lies Marguerita Alexandrou, whose vocal talent combines folk influences, precise tonality, and a profound emotional range that elevates the album to extraordinary heights. Matching her talent, the virtuoso instrumentalists, keyboardist Eliot Minn and guitarist Denis Warren, craft intricate melodies, masterful arrangements and seamless transitions, making every track a true delight. Furthermore, the rhythm section, drummer Paul Bringloe and bassist Keith Buckman bring forward a strong, creative foundation.
The album begins with the folk-rock-tinged “Prove It Then,” an inviting prelude to what’s to come. Alexandrou’s emotive vocals take center stage, supported by notable electric guitar lines and organ flourishes. “Prove It Then” explores the complexity of relationships, focusing on the need to demonstrate love through actions, the struggles of unmet expectations, and the tension between aspirations and reality.
“Hang On …” presents the band’s technical expertise with shifting time signatures reminiscent of Genesis at their peak. “Hang On” reflects on resilience in the face of fear and adversity, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and mental strength when confronting challenges.
“Industry” introduces a sharper edge with harder rock elements before transitioning into delicate piano, synth, and vocal interludes. “Industry” is a critique of modern work culture, highlighting the monotony of bureaucratic tasks, the loss of creativity, and the pressure of productivity metrics over meaningful contributions.
One of the album’s finest moments, “A Gentle Warrior,” is a mini-epic that opens with a whimsical synth melody reminiscent of a flute’s playful dance. Alexandrou’s stellar vocal performance intertwines with dueling synth and guitar solos to create a captivating dialog. “A Gentle Warrior” pays homage to the unsung heroes who work behind the scenes (e.g., codebreakers during wartime), emphasizing their dedication, precision, and effect despite their understated roles.
The suite “Dinosaurs” begins with a forceful neoprog energy before softening into a lush vocal passage. Guitarist Denis Warren’s dexterous solos shine here, delivering technical brilliance with emotional depth. “Dinosaurs” comments on the loss of traditional skills and craftsmanship in favor of new technology, lamenting the oversight of their value and the impact of progress on human expertise.
At over 16 minutes, “Himalaya Flashmob” is the album’s magnum opus. From electrifying guitar riffs to a spellbinding synth solo, a classically inspired piano interlude, and a climactic, high-energy conclusion, the song exemplifies the band’s ability to create expansive, multidimensional compositions. “Himalaya Flashmob” captures the relentless pursuit of achievement, exploring themes of ambition, self-imposed pressure, and humanity’s struggle against nature’s indifference.
The shortest piece, “Letterboxing,” is an enthralling piano instrumental amid the album’s complexity. Its elegance and brevity offer a moment of serene introspection before the grand finale.
The album concludes with “The Seamless Shirt,” a nine-minute suite that begins with a jazzy instrumental section before transitioning into a fabulous rendition of “Scarborough Fair” with a magnificent performance by Marguerita Alexandrou that leaves a lasting impression. The final section of the song features a spectacular guitar solo by Denis Warren. By combining folk traditions with cutting-edge progressive rock, the track encapsulates the essence of Given the Impossible, an album rooted in tradition but unafraid to explore the boundaries of its genre.
Musicians: Marguerita Alexandrou on vocals; Eliot Minn on keyboards & backing vocals; Denis Warren on guitars; Paul Bringloe on drums; and Keith Buckman on bass.
All titles written, arranged and produced by The Far Meadow except ‘Scarborough Fair’ excerpt (trad. arr. The Far Meadow)
Mixed and mastered by Joe Gibb
Artwork and design by Brian Mitchell.
Buy Given the Impossible.