It’s not easy being a band that can consistently deliver great music, but Farrah makes it look easy. Their fourth album, conveniently self-titled opens with a grand slam in the McCartneyesque “Swings & Roundabouts” that begs for repeat plays. Fans of XTC and Squeeze will love the follow-up “Stereotypes,” another gem with tinkling keys and strong riffed chorus has a lot to say about how “as individuals we’re invisible.” The sweet “Scarborough” recalls a little of Fountains of Wayne in this colorful story song. Vocalist and principal songwriter Jez Ashurst has a clear appealing vocal and Andrew Campell’s keys provide a rich depth to the entire album. Michelle Margherita takes vocal duties on the alt. pop of “Got The Best Of Me” and the track “If You Were Mine” is an automatic classic with a twisting bittersweet melody pop fans long for. The gorgeous melodies have a dark under current, especially on the album’s second half with “Just Driving” and the heartbreaking piano ballad “Abby’s Going Out.” Echoes of classic records from the likes of Tom Petty and ELO to Ben Folds also resonate throughout the album. This one makes my top ten easily – so don’t miss it.
Just a warning if you have a high-end stereo:
I can't get into this album, as much as I'd like to. The potentially good songwriting and performance are made a chore to listen to by harsh overcompression in the mastering stage – there's almost no headroom in the mix whatsoever.
Give the "lesser" songs another shot. It's not just about "power" but song composition here. These aren't filler or throwaways. And finding an album with even 2 great songs is a rarity so I gave it my best rating.
Still on the fence about this one. The first 4 songs are great but the rest is pop without the power. I lean towards the fun. and Bryan Scary side of power pop so this one is good, but not great.