ALBUM REVIEW: Andrew Farris (Self-Titled)

We review the new self-titled album by Andrew Farriss, out today – a lush passion project of a record that takes its inspiration from outlaw country and the Apache Pass. 

The record is available to stream here now.

A fitting outlaw intro kicks off Andrew Farriss’ eponymous debut record – ‘Bounty Hunter – Hummingbird’ – an intensely atmospheric track rooted in outlaw-inspired country and Americana. The inspiration for the record – a trip up to the Apache Pass along the Mexican order – is rife throughout, locating the album in this beautiful, barren landscape, from lyrics to the soundscape employed throughout. 

Farriss is at his best in driving tracks (‘Coming Midnight,’ ‘Apache Pass’ and ‘Run Baby Run‘) that brim with the free-spirited energy of life on the road, overlaid by searing guitar melodies – the latter employing a varied and unique production – and in narrative-driven tracks (‘With the Kelly Gang’) – that would fit seamlessly on an Eagles record. ‘With the Kelly Gang’ is one of the strongest moments on the record – an immensely compelling narrative-driven track, with a lush and loaded instrumentation that makes the track propulsive and entertaining. The soundscape of the record is broad and diverse, from pluckier tracks (‘Cajun Girl’) that feel infused with a 90s country, meets Cajun-style instrumentation to rock-tinged tracks (‘With the Kelly Gang’ and even a horn-infused ‘Starlight.’

Farriss has created a record that manages to translate the real life landscape which inspired him into a broad and tangible sonic landscape, with extraordinary, riveting and lush instrumentation. It’s a record that celebrates the outlaw, free-spirited sensibilities of the landscape and Farriss himself. Farriss’ passion for music and the musical history of the Apache Pass is clear throughout, making this a genuinely engaging and propulsive record that feels delicately and tenderly handled, with Farriss himself taking the reins in producing the record himself.