Ok, before you read this I’m going to admit what a lot of news and media channels do not, I am bias!
This post comes on the back of 34 years of deeply entrenched fandom that began when me and a couple of mates were sat (underage) in a local pub and a guy we new called Paul walked into the pub and said “you gotta hear this”, and put the ‘All Together Now’ cassette single in a stereo that was on the bar, goosebumps. Singles bought, albums bought, gigs over the years in Portsmouth, Southampton, Birmingham, The Astoria even Santa Pod and some beers blagged back stage once all contribute to this bias.
I’d heard the new single releases, couldn’t avoid them in my socials but I have avoided a full album listen until the actual record arrived. It was a few days late due to the signed cards being delayed but it’s here and I’ve played it, and then played it again, then played it again. It’s a great listen.
The album has a setlist of ten tracks.
They are:
Forever & Ever
Let The Music (Take Control)
Feel The Love
Waiting For The Sun
Breathe
That Feeling
World Without You
Moment In Time
Can’t Stop (Loving You)
Eternity
From the outset, if you know The Farm the sound is reassuringly recognisable, something new but at the same time nostalgically warming like an old friend with a new story you can’t wait to hear.
‘Forever and Ever’ is the perfect opener, upbeat, melodic with those unmistakable vocals. Theres an electronic soundscape sitting behind a great bass line and those jangly guitars that at times sit back to focus on the vocals and verses then come straight back at you for the chorus and what will be a great singalong live.
‘Let the Music (Take Control)’ is up next, yes it’s also the name of the album. Following the same feel as the previous song, The Farm are doubling down here only the jangly guitars replaced with an electronic slightly psychedelic pinching noise (wish I knew the actual term). As an age old fan a stand out here for me is Peter Hooton’s voice as he trails off the word control at the end of each verse, it’s just pure nostalgic Farm!
Up next is ‘Feel the Love’, another great singalong tune. Slowing things down slightly but still anthem like in its production. From here the album moves into a chilled pace but doesn’t actually settle down, no fillers here, all great tracks. ‘That Feeling’ halfway through for me has an essence of ‘Good Morning Sinners’ from the ‘Love See No Colour’ album, no complaints here. Three more tracks follow, again no fillers here just pure upbeat euphoria filled tracks. ‘Eternity‘ a euphoric journey that teases start to end to finish off. I feel like im using the word ‘upbeta’ to much but it is, there is always a positivity to Farm tracks that just make you smile and tap your foot no matter what trainers you are wearing.
Beginning to end, this album delivers exactly what a Farm fans wants. It’s not pandering by trying to be different to suit modern trends. It’s a band doing what a band does best. A sum of all parts and long may it continue.
Some of the best gig experiences we still talk about are those bizarre road trip adventures to see The Farm as a group of 18 to 20 year olds without a care in the world just looking for a beer, great music and a dance. The good news is The Farm are touring and I have tickets for The Thekla in Bristol, singing voice at the ready!
My advice, listen, buy, embrace this album and if you ever get to see them live, don’t hesitate, book and go!! – https://thefarmmusic.co.uk
