|
|
|
Chris McFarland
|
Three From Given [EP]
In Music We Trust Records
Release: 3/15/2004
  |
|
Rated:
Review by:
Morley Seaver
|
|
|
While the sophomore release from Texas singer/songwriter
Chris McFarland is only a three-track sampler, all indications
are that this is a winner. The music is hard to classify. The
artist calls it angry folk music. There is just guitar, (acoustic
and/or electric) bass and drums with Chris McFarland's
impassioned, often weary, vocals. Think Elliott Smith as a
starting point.
The first cut, "Broken Laughter" wheels along before
breaking down into a grittier guitar piece complete with
urgent vocals. "Headstones and Names" is a dramatic
neo-country/folk mid-tempo twanger with great vocals. He
sings with such emotion, you feel he has to exorcise these
feelings or risk imploding on the spot. "What Was Never
Said" has McFarland wailing over an atmospheric melody
with some restrained guitar.
This is an impressive sampler that showcases some
above-average songwriting. There is a real sense of intimacy
here,
as if McFarland is in your living room with you. If this is any
indication of the rest of the upcoming record,
Given, there's an opus in the making. If you're
going on a long drive and need some road music, look no
further. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
