A vibrant prog-rock appeal shines throughout Once There Was, the new album from Connecticut-based band The Far Cry. The band’s co-founders, Jeff Brewer and Robert Hutchinson, first collaborated in the mid ’70s with a rock covers band, which lasted briefly. They both were members of the band Holding Pattern, though at different points. It wasn’t until 2013 when Brewer and Hutchinson met up again, and decided to kickstart the project that would become The Far Cry.
The founding duo are joined on the album by keyboardist Chris Dabbo and lead guitarist Brendan Kinchla, now comprising the project’s current talented lineup. They take a clear, proud influence from prog-rock bands of the ’70s — specifically King Crimson, Genesis, Yes, Gentle Giant, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. A dynamic tonal sound impresses throughout, spanning from the triumphant synth/guitar soaring of the opening “Unholy Waters” to the hard-rocking vigor of “Once There Was / Videosyncrasy” to the lush, spacey intrigue within “Once There Was” / What Once Was.”
An enveloping epic that spans over 12 minutes, “Crossing Pangea” is particularly exemplary of the band’s commanding musicianship and tendency for gripping structural expanses. The initial synth work emits a chilling, otherworldly tone that sets in motion a quest into the unknown. Guitars then enter with fervent intensity, energizing with jangly undercurrents and ascending, elongated lead. Lovely piano work also excels into the four-minute turn. Invigorating guitar and synth interplay immerses through the second half, serving as one of many riveting highlights within The Far Cry’s Once There Was.
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“Once There Was / Once There Was” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
