Review Fix chats with The Far Cry’s Jeffrey Brewer who discusses the band’s creative process and latest album, .
About The Far Cry:
Progressive Rock project The Far Cry stretches the wingspan of their creative might as they lean into a deep sense of mission on the vast expanse of new album “Once There Was”. With multi-layered, bold soundscapes, The Far Cry explore a boundless sea of unclaimed and unseen sonic terrain, whilst remaining a band purely focused on who they are and what they do. This is a four piece prog rock collective with a subversive, adventurous and purely art first mission. “Once There Was” does not play it safe by any means.
“Once There Was” takes the listener on an unpredictable and dynamic musical journey with thought provoking lyrics, passionate vocals, shifting tempos and time signatures, ambient interludes, haunting melodies and well crafted and powerful arrangements. The Far Cry captures the spirit of classic 70″s era progressive rock and ushers it into the 21st century. Fans of King Crimson, Yes, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Genesis and Gentle Giant will find fresh compositions and untethered prog vision here to enjoy.
With equal parts somber melancholy, vulnerable emotionality and resolute determination, this new release is a soundtrack to our current zeitgeist as much as it sounds classic and timeless.
Review Fix: This is a beefy album. How long did it take to put this all together?
Jeffrey Brewer: About 2 and 1/2 years total when one considers writing, arranging, re-working as needed, rehearsing and then recording and mixing.
Review Fix: Considering how much is here, how difficult was this endeavor?
Brewer: I wouldn’t say it was difficult so much as it’s what we do. It can be a “labor of love” at times. A fair amount was pre written by different members at different times. Hutch had the basic form and lyrics for 9 out the 12 sections of “Once There Was” hanging around in a file of notes and ideas from the past few years. However, the piecing together, working out the proper chords, arrangement, etc., took some work.
“Unholy Waters” was brought in by Jeff and it went through a fair amount of trial and error and rewrite before reaching its final form.
“Crossing Pangea” was from a piece that Chris had written and recorded 3 or 4 years earlier but we did put it through some revision and rewrite to fit more in character with The Far Cry.
“The Following” was written mostly by Hutch during this time period, but, as he will readily admit, this piece, as like all of his other input, is fully dependent on the assistance of the band members to find the right chords and arrangement after the basic ideas are brought to the practice room.
Review Fix: What makes this album special to you guys?
Brewer: One thing is that it felt like the next step in fully creating the musical identity of The Far Cry as Chris Dabbo was fully onboard and very quickly Brendan Kinchla integrated into the band persona. Hence, it was a product of a fully integrated 4 piece unit with a common agreed upon vision.
Review Fix: You’ve gone through a lot to get here. How did it feel to reach the finish line?
Brewer: As we got well into the final mixing stages we started to hear the totality of what we had and it was pretty exciting and satisfying.
Review Fix: I know it’s hard, but what track is the most important on this album?
Brewer: We don’t have every member in the room as we respond here, but it probably would be a toss-up between the very lengthy and multi-faceted and thematic “Once There Was” and the opener, “Unholy Waters.” After some consideration, we’d probably settle on “Unholy Waters” as it really exemplifies the band in a shorter, more impactful time slot.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Brewer: We’ve begun rehearsing and preparing for live performance which will present some obstacles regarding the aspect of presentation. Hopefully, we’ll do some performances this coming summer. Nonetheless, the writing of newer material for the prospective album to follow has also begun.
Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?
Brewer: We hope listeners will enjoy the music we have to offer, and that we are able to grow and develop musically and artistically.
Review Fix: Where can people find out more?
Brewer: People can go to our website at: www.thefarcrygroup.com
And our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/thefarcry
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