A big fear that I would have when engaging in this combination of similar styles is the possibility of alienating two different audiences when the goal is actually to bring them together. When you listen to them you will hear what I mean. There is always going to be the risk of the heavy side not being heavy enough and the melodic side not being melodic enough for their respective audiences. We all know how fickly audiences can be; one small misstep and you'll be back to the small clubs on the weekends while working at a department store by day. This makes what Farewell to Freeways is accomplishing here all the more special.
Definitions is a very strong debut album that plays up multiple strengths from multiple angles. I was rather surprised by how strong a release it is, especially considering those initial misguided expectations. There is a lot to like here, whichever side your tastes lean toward. In particular, pay attention to tracks "Sound Minds" (the first track is an expectation buster!), "Lemmings," "Definitions," and "Convictions" (a nice, melodic instrumental).
Bottomline. Farewell to Freeways is going to be a band to watch. This album is very strong. They have revealed themselves to be a multifaceted force that is not to be pigeonholed in a single genre. They should play well to a broad spectrum of fans while retaining artistic integrity at each turn. Do yourself a favor and give this a spin.
Recommended.
Track Listing:
1. Sound Minds
2. Bat Wings
3. The Desperate Age
4. Lemmings
5. Speak Your Words
6. Definitions
7. The Glory Days
8. Convictions
9. Risk It All
10. The Awakening
11. What Happens In Viper City, Stays In Viper City
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