Review Summary: High potential debut by the Phoenix, AZ native rock act.
1 of 1 thought this review was well writtenFarewell, My Love is:
Caleb Harbin - Vocals
Robby Creasey - Guitars
Chad Kowal - Drums
Gary Grant - Bass
With statues of modern post-hardcore like Ronnie Radke & Craig Owens dominating the scenario today, it seems they've laid a foundation for others to build upon. Farewell, My Love shows that the slot isn't completely filled, with a freshman release that shows a unique laid-back form of clean vocals with very minimal screaming. They do have one song with screaming, "The Hardest Heart", which is quite impressive (maybe a lick of things to come?) but the rest of the album is Harbin's vocals that have massive potential. They have this way with their fans of giving them a breakdown but not the open chugs and bellowing screams they might want to hear in a bland metalcore song, which is the biggest plus on the whole EP. The production was good enough for a first release to make you think the band might be sitting on a bundle, and a synth setup that fits only where necessary.
In a quick runthrough, you might underestimate the great moments through the EP. Almost as if it's an army of clouds that pass over the sun and give it brief moments to shine on the earth. It definitely isn't a release you can just put on repeat and go upon your computer-errands and get great enjoyment out of consistently, it takes a bit of studying. But with the studying, you find opportunity in the listen with unmistakably talented artists about to peck their way out of their shells and instantly soar away. The iTunes single, Wrong & Right, is a song where the band tells you: "We're to be reckoned with.". By track 4, they're saying "But not the way you thought,". And a track later, "or any way you've seen before.". The tact of the matter is the ability to not have to split up that statement with filler tracks in between.
The guitars on the album are unique and well placed, if not monumental. Robby Creasey's performance is pretty decent for that of the other genre, because you can't ever put a label on his style. He has the hard rock feel of Black Veil Brides, yet the solos of Monte Money, and not quite the punk melodies that bands generically fall back on. The rhythms (guitar & bass) are tag along with one another and a fun basis for Creasey's leads to build on, and nothing special. One interesting point, is the theatrical feel throughout the EP, with the orchestral arrangements done with piano, viola, etc. pieced into specific areas of some songs. It's practically what Panic! At The Disco would sound like if they decided to drop the 30 instruments per song and become a hard rock band (and may I mention, the striking resemblance of Harbin's vocals to Brendon Urie). The band's drummer, Chad Kowal makes himself known with decent fills, catchy rock beats, and yet at the same time gallops and breakdowns that would confuse heavy metal fans of why that drummer is in this band? Because it fits, makes you double take on his performance, and you can make sure not to underestimate the band.
Overall, F,ML is a band to check out and if they don't impress you, give them a year or so to impress you upon another release that is sure to get them on a huge opportunity in a music world that needs more bands like them.
Recommended Tracks: Wrong & Right, The Hardest Heart, and Portraits
Pros:
- Unique creativity on all aspects
- Vocals can shine
- Drummer makes himself known
- Potential, potential, potential
Cons:
- Filler
- Scream more, or expand clean vocal talent
- Rhythms can be very boring
