Music Review // Farewood "In Sunlight Appears The Wraith"

https://farewood.bandcamp.com/album/in-sunlight-appears-the-wraith

What I like about the band Farewood as soon as I start listening to this album is that they sound like a band from the alternative rock era, which came after grunge, yet also somehow modern and just with those haunted goth undertones as well.  Right away, as soon as you press play on the first song, you'll hear these sort of hovering guitars which makes me think of Dishwalla.  The sound becomes dreamy, but during the second song- "Silver Witch"- you will also hear crunchy metal chords.

The sound of Farewood can take on that rock n roll power but at the same time there is something dark within the music as well.  "Soulless Ghost" is a great song because it's one of the first to really open up what Farewood is going to do on this album.  I think the first two songs are a little bit more comfortable and relatable to bring the listener in, so they feel like they've heard this sound somewhere before, but by the third song it's just the sound of Farewood now.  But it's too late.  You're already in.

While the titular track is a dreamy, slow ballad, it's still rather powerful in how it is delivered.  "Watch It Fall Again" can feel more dramatic and all of these songs feel like little movies in their own ways.  For those who enjoy the combo of rock and metal, you will also appreciate the guitar solos found on these songs.  A bit of the -gaze comes out on "Crossman" and "Lay Your Battle Down" hits big with the piano.  

This album ends with the song "Where Do You Hide" which just has these Metallica-like guitars to bring you in, sort of hypnotize you.   Is it easiest just to say that this is "dark rock" or "metal" to bring people in?  It really reminds me of The Courtesans and Delta Dart, two bands I don't think enough people know about, but there are also equal parts Fleetwood Mac, Blondie and Heart in here, for those who need something they know to compare this with.  Still, at the end of the album, you'll just know Farewood is forging their path and you should be a part of it.