The Far Cry — If Only...

by Philippe Thirionet, February 21, 2022. Translated from French.

https://www.musicinbelgium.net/reviews/the-far-cry-if-only/?cn-reloaded=1

Concept album, neo-classical, neo-progressive, rock-progressive

Obviously the members who compose this project are far from being neophytes, since Jeff Brewer and Hutch (Robert Hutchison) who met for the first time in 1976, have worked in the 80s and 90s through many musical initiatives. Today the two companions come to titillate our ears with this concept-album for which, they were supported by two other musicians Bryan Collin and Chris Dabbo in order, to offer us a magnificent progressive collection that brings together all the archetypes and codes related to the realization of a great concept-album focused on a vintage progressive mixed to the taste of the day! Moreover, it is an epic first song of more than 11 minutes that opens the album from the outset, a complex orchestration and an atmosphere both aerial and spatial before plunging into a quality progressive rock. We find here the architecture worked as for the compositions of Spock's Beard, the Flower Kings or even the Neal Morse Band with here too, a song both electronic and classical all offering the listener an elaborate neo-progressive worthy of the greats of yesterday and today!

As these many technical passages or demonstrations on synths, bass or drums remain nice to listen to since, the result tends towards a melodic mode while knowing that for the bass, the latter gives punch to help the guitar flights which are also perfectly executed within a first composition that seems to me personally beautiful and perfectly accomplished with here and there breaks and counter-breaks always supported by the rhythm section... nothing to throw away but the opposite...!

Radio dialogues and narrations obviously complete the complete panoply of the perfect concept album with it seems to me, a real treat for all lovers of the genre who already after the first two songs, have something to delight in. A short acoustic piece follows, always presenting a careful work before an epic piece of more than 13 minutes.

The Far Cry — If Only...

by Jon Neudorf. Published January 23, 2022.

https://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=23489

Robert Hutchinson and Jeff Brewer first met in the ‘70s and would eventually perform together in the American band Holding Pattern in 1981, lasting for around ten years before disbanding in the early ‘90s. The band reformed in 2007 and have a couple of albums to their name. In 2013 the two musicians would meet up again and eventually form the band The Far Cry with their debut album titled If Only…, released in 2021.

The band play a style of retro prog with, at times, a good amount of heaviness. The guitar playing is both melodic and creative and the rhythmic interplay is very tight as the band displays excellent musicianship throughout the disc’s eight tracks beginning with the fine “The Mask of Deception”. This is a good example of heavy prog where the veteran players really show their stuff. The vocals are also very good, mixed with spoken word and enhanced sections. I really dig how the band combines complexity with excellent melodies. The up-tempo “Programophone” is a real rhythmic burner with super tight guitar and bass riffs and a little bit of Zappa-like humour in the spoken word vocals. The short “Winterlude” is much softer and gentler, and you can catch your breath before the progressive rock epic “Simple Pleasures”, an outstanding slice of retro flavoured prog with stunning melodies, lovely keyboards, and soaring dynamics.

The musicianship is just so tasteful, including the excellent lead vocals and lead guitar. “The Missing Floor”, one of four instrumentals, is another melodic gem featuring fine guitar and keyboard interplay. The heavier riffs add a little more punch to their sound.

 

I am very impressed with this debut album from a band I had no idea existed. This is certainly one to watch for in the coming years. Recommended.

Band Members:

Robert Hutchinson (drums, percussion, bells, spoken word)

Jeff brewer (lead and backing vocals, bass, bass synth, bass pedals, guitar)

Bryan Collin (electric and acoustic guitars)

Chris Dabbo (piano, keyboards, vocals)

With:

Richard Silva (keyboards on “Programophone”)

Kendra Emery (alto and tenor sax on “The Mask of Deception”)

Track Listing:

1. The Mask of Deception (11:26)

2. Programophone (6:51)

3. Winterlude (2:25)

4. Simple Pleasures (13:23)

5. The Missing Floor (7:23)

6. Winterlude Waning (2:28)

7. If Only (16:26)

8. Dream Dancer (6:28)

The Far Cry — If Only...

(Bandcamp no#, 2021, CD / DL)

by Jon Davis, Published 2022-01-09

http://expose.org/index.php/articles/display/the-far-cry-if-only-2.html

 

If Only… offers proof that the old prog dinosaur is not dead — in any creative sense, at least. This may be the debut album by The Far Cry, but it’s a fully-formed effort brimming with the kinds of sounds that made progressive rock so exciting in its heyday, and somehow they also manage to avoid the pitfalls that led to the genre’s demise. Listeners familiar with the classics will find hints of Yes, Genesis, Gentle Giant, Kansas, Utopia, and more, but all blended into a sound that doesn’t come off as derivative.

The album consists of eight tracks, with three substantial pieces over ten minutes in length, three mid-length songs, and two shorter interludes. The Far Cry excels at all lengths, producing music that presents complexity in a relatively accessible way, combining melodicism and power. You’ll hear outstanding keyboard work from a wide array of instruments, full of classic tones but not sounding retro or fetishistic.

What you won’t find is any influence from metal — while the guitar playing is stellar, it avoids the tropes of heavy rock. My favorite track is probably “The Mask of Deception,” which features some wonderful complex chords that inject a little hint of King Crimson into the mix, but it also features a great synth solo that is more Relayer than Red. The Far Cry is a shining exponent of modern progressive rock that isn’t influenced by Porcupine Tree, and a strong contender for debut album of the year.

Article by: Valentino Butti

Ocftober 2021

http://www.arlequins.it/pagine/articoli/alfa/corpo.asp

[Translated from Italian] One of the long-standing issues involving fans is the alleged "inability" of US bands to produce good prog. Not belonging to this "current of thought" and indeed considering the prog made in the USA, since the seventies, rich in creativity (although not supported by large numbers under the heading "sales"...) and remarkable bands, sometimes, unknown, here when I discover some new American group, I faint in the hope of finding something qualitatively interesting. So it happened for Far Cry: attracted by the beautiful cover, after a quick look at the duration of the tracks and the "park" of the instruments present, listening was a must. I certainly did not expect a masterpiece, but the abundant hour of proposed music divided into eight tracks, has amply justified the deepening.

Robert Hutchinson (drums) and Jeff Brewer (vocals, bass, guitar) have known each other since the seventies and in the eighties they were part of a prog band, Holding Pattern, rather known among the most attentive fans. In 2013 the two met to give life to a new project that, merged also Bryan Collin (electric and acoustic guitars) and Chris Dabbo (keyboards and vocals), with the name of The Far Cry finally arrives at the debut album.

The two artistic "lives" of Hutchinson and Brewer (the 70/80 and the one of today) create a hybrid in which the proposed sounds recall Yes, Styx, but also Spock's Beard and Dream Theather. The lion's share on "If only..." the three longest tracks make it: the initial "The mask of deception", "Simple pleasures" and the title track. The approach in "The mask of deception" is quite heavy, with electric guitar and keyboards to take off in Spock's Beard mode, but always with an eye to the melodic aspect that, fortunately, never fails.

​

Very nice the "romantic" instrumental fragment in the second part of the song, before the initial grit takes over. "Simple pleasures" develops the most symphonic soul of the American quartet, approaching the suggestions proposed by Yes or, for the more pompous side, to Styx. Very successful, even here, the central insert with piano and acoustic guitars to take the limelight, before the excellent "solo" of synth. The title track contains, in its sixteen minutes, not only the best of the album, but also a compendium of the best symphonic prog from the '70s to today. There is the acoustic introduction entrusted to the guitar, there are the brilliant keyboards of Dabbo, there is the "ambient" moment and, again, the "divertissement" à la Gentle Giant, or the new prog to the I.Q (in the "The wake" area), without forgetting some heavy spark. In short, a florilegio of different sensations, but well assembled with each other.

If these tracks are the fulcrum of "If only...", let's not forget the short "Winterlude", sweet interlude for acoustic guitar and "Winterlude waning" for piano solo. Longer and more articulated (but always only instrumental) are the epic "The missing floor" and the etheric and refined "Dream dancer". The almost rap (!!!) of "Programophone" does not affect the value of an album that has proved to be a pleasant surprise to demonstrate that, with a little patience, you can still find realities and bands worthy of note.

​    

Article by: Eric van den Bosch

September 25, 2021

https://www.rockportaal.nl/the-far-cry-if-only/

[Translated from Dutch] When the opening of "The Mask Of Deception" hits a riff after an dramatic intro, you can't help but think King Crimson! It turns out to be the first of many moments of recognition on If Only… by the American group The Far Cry.

In the 1980s, drummer Robert Hutchinson and bassist/vocalist Jeff Brewer were in the same prog rock band, Holding Pattern, albeit not at the same time. They didn't get to work together until 2013. They had a great idea of what they wanted to do, but finding the musicians turned out to be difficult. Once they had actually decided to go into the studio they found guitarist Bryan Collin and, thanks to the studio owner/engineer, they found a keyboardist in Chris Dabbo. The Far Cry was complete.

That the project took a long time is also apparent from the fact that between the tracks there is one from the Holding Pattern days — from 1983! Funny detail is that it sounds a bit more modern than the rest because of the spoken word element. Anyway, the gentlemen are especially fond of prog from the seventies and eighties and you notice everything. Long, long tracks (three well over ten minutes) and the better musical theme, in which you recognize a lot of King Crimson and especially Yes. At the same time, you also hear more modern influences such as Saga, Spock's Beard and even Dream Theater. That may sound less nice than it's meant to be. However, there is no reason not to remain positive: the gentlemen know how to keep real songs in the long tracks, and that is something that the aforementioned bands do not always succeed in.

Because between all those influences and the recognition of Chris Squire basslines, King Crimson riffs, Emerson, Lake & Palmer piano parts, Saga guitar/keyboard duels, Marillion guitar parts and Spock's Beard melody you hear above all a band with an incredible amount of fun. and making music with conviction. No matter how obvious the influences are, they combine it into something that stands alone and has a variation and tension in the tracks and the entire album that makes you listen captivated for more than an hour without any effort. Virtuoso and captivating don't always go together in prog, but here they do.

​   

https://theprogressiveaspect.net/blog/2021/08/14/the-far-cry-if-only/

The Far Cry – "If Only..."

Article by: David Edwards

August 2021

If Only is the impressive debut release by the American symphonic/neo/melodic prog rock group The Far Cry. It is a refreshing and varied collection of tracks which, whilst showing the musician’s own influences – from the classic ’70s prog/classic rock period, through the neo-prog era and on to more modern prog – creates a musical landscape that is a unique mix of all of these as well.

Jeff Brewer (vocals and bass) and Robert Hutchinson (drums and percussion) first met in 1976 as part of a short-lived rock covers band, and later would be involved in the Connecticut progressive rock band Holding Pattern through the ’80s and ’90s, though not simultaneously. However, it was not until 2013 that the seeds of The Far Cry were sown, when the two friends reunited and decided to push on together with a dream of forming a new progressive rock band to showcase their love of the prog rock giants, whilst shaping the sound into something more contemporary. Finding suitable musicians in the New England area was not easy, but Bryan Collins (guitar) subsequently joined the band as they began work in the recording studio, and when Chris Dabbo (keyboards) was recommended by the studio owner John Bolduc – initially for session work – the final piece of The Far Cry jigsaw had been found.

These seasoned and talented musicians steadily evolved the band sound over time (including the extended pandemic period), and have finally produced their debut album, If Only, this summer. It is clearly a labour of love that demands a much wider audience amongst progressive rock fans who value melody, subtle complexity and a symphonic prog panorama. Although it has a loosely-based concept linking common threads of human emotion and perspective meeting real human conditions, the compositions are varied in style, atmosphere and duration, making them an enjoyable and eclectic listening experience individually, but perhaps working best when listened to in one session.

As Jeff told me, “We didn’t set out to write a concept album, as such, yet as the writing and recording evolved, and many of the longer tracks were completed, we began to want to structure the album, so it had a flow, to give the listener a complete musical experience rather than just have eight separate tracks. This is what was great about those early bands from the ’70s. In those days you put on a set of headphones, turned down the lights, closed your eyes and immersed yourself in the music from beginning to end. So, we wrote shorter, mellower songs to cleanse the palette, if you will, from the heavier pieces and allow the listener to take that complete journey, so to speak.”

The opening track, The Mask of Deception, was one of the last pieces written for the album, with lyrics co-written by Jeff and Robert reflecting the steady erosion of freedom and personal choice resulting from big government’s handling of the pandemic in the USA. It begins with dark, foreboding keyboards, barked orders and the repeated mantra “Take the shot or the bus to camp…”. Jeff stresses it is not specifically an anti-vaccination track, but hints at a darker, futuristic world order where the control over us and loss of individual liberties could become all-pervading – especially from the perspective of recent years. Strong stuff indeed, and the acerbic lyrics are matched by the power and complexity of the music. Dream Theater-style guitar/keyboard intermeshing and tempo changes introduce a playful, but mocking tone to the vocals, akin to Spock’s Beard, with a stalking rhythm propelling the ensemble-based music onwards. There is even some alto and tenor saxophone in the musical melting pot. A refreshing mid-way change signals some extended keyboard noodling from Chris, with expressive guitar solo lines from Bryan, before a return to the original theme.

Programophone is an entirely different style of track, with a spoken diatribe by Robert about the programmed control that streaming organisations and the media have on the music we listen to: “I’d say it’s mechanised madness beyond our control, as we’re forced fed our daily bread of prescribed rock ‘n’ roll.” A spritely keyboard, drums and bass pattern forms a foundation to the almost rap-style delivery of the angry, occasionally explicit, lyrics. Hints of Frank Zappa, perhaps? Some more typical progressive musical patterns keep the music fresh throughout. Challenging and complex prog for sure and maybe not to all tastes, but the band’s ambition and vision is to be applauded.

Winterlude, the first of the shorter instrumental pieces, provides an immediate contrast and signals the album’s shift into more traditional symphonic and neo-prog soundscapes. Delicate acoustic guitar and Peart-like twinkling percussion dominate this calm and evocative track, providing a gateway into the heart of the album.

Simple Pleasures is an undoubted highlight. Highly melodic and accessible, a Howe-like guitar motif heralds this vibrant slab of melodic progressive rock. Fans of Starcastle, Styx and Glass Hammer will lap up this track and there is also an Asia-like AOR feel to the vocals and instrumentation that makes it very easy on the ear. Nicely pitched vocals from Jeff set the tone well: “Simple pleasures so sublime. Hidden treasures of the mind… Taking in the veranda’s moonlight. Savouring a fine Beaujolais. Follow shooting stars in their flight. Contemplating the close of day”. The middle section has some expressive and gently paced Emerson-like piano before being progressively added to by the rest of the band, including some swirling keyboard and synthesiser work (flute sounds from the bass too) and lively electric guitar soloing (with subtle referencing of Yes and Styx), all before the main theme reprises as the track concludes with a gentle fade.

It is a tough song to follow, and final track Dream Dancer does not attempt to compete with it. Instead, it is a gentle instrumental coda, with Jeff’s soothing bass notes sprinkled over a wistful wash from his bass synthesisers, building slowly to perhaps emphasise a sanguine feel for what the years to come might bring us all.

If Only is a confident, ambitious and assured album by excellent musicians that has a broad range of melodic prog music styles. It doffs its cap to the past, whilst embracing the present, and mixes it all into a singular and varied style. There is a refreshing chameleon-like character across all the eight tracks, with surprises around the corner for any listener, and yet it works as a whole. Their heart might be in the symphonic and neo-prog rock of the ’70s and ’80s, but they are not anchored there at all. This is definitely an album worth exploring for progressive rock fans who like their melody and complexity is equal measures.

​  

Prog Critique Review (14 July 2021)

Artcle by: Gabriel (translated from the original French)

https://progcritique.com/the-far-cry-if-only/

If you had to designate a prog album to pack this summer in your luggage, I would definitely recommend the album "If Only ..." by American band The Far Cry. Indeed it brings together everything I love about progressive rock: Good musicians, varied compositions that are both complex, but not too much, and excellent melodies.

The Far Cry is a United States-based formation that is the association of two musician friends Robert Hutchinson (drums, percussion) and Jeff Brewer (vocals, bass, bass synth, bass pedals and guitar) who met in 1976. In the 1980s, the duo were part of the American prog group Holding Pattern. In 2013 our two friends Robert and Jeff decided to continue their musical journey by creating The Far Cry. A few years later, the duo decided to enter the recording studio to finally burn the material they had accumulated. Guitarist Bryan Collin and keyboard player Chris Dabbo joined them to complete the project.

"If Only ..." is the group's first album, the adventure begins with its original cover: The interior of a theater in the style of the one Marie-Antoinette had built in the spring of 1780 at the Palace of Versailles. As for the eight titles present, these offer a palette of sounds that engage the listener on an auditory journey through all the styles of the landscapes specific to progressive rock, while distilling the own originality of The Far Cry. One could define this music as being a progressive, doped with neo-prog and symphonic rock, often confusing by certain very original rhythmically arrangements, with a very dynamic writing for bass and drums, or through the riffs that follow each other with a vengeance.

The album starts off strong with "The Mask Of Deception", over eleven minutes long, which could easily fit into a Spock's Beard album, a comparison accentuated by the complex structure of the melody, the vocals and the vocal harmonies developed.

Out of step with the rest of the tracks, "Programophone" is a track full of energy, containing parts of keyboards and unbridled guitars, on a text more spoken than sung. A relaxing interlude, "Winterlude", acoustic guitar and light keyboards, delicately drops us on "Simple Pleasures" which sails in the waters of Asia, a prog rock bordering on a flamboyant AOR, easy to access and direct, truly exhilarating.

An instrumental, "The Missing Floor" demonstrates a perfect mastery of the group in an adventurous prog genre Dream Theater, great art, a perfectly controlled track with a lead guitar and a dantesque sound. The grand piano floods "Winterlude Waning", a small piece with a sweet melody and a symphonic aspect precedes the eponymous "If Only", my favorite, with more than sixteen minutes where virtuosity is at the service of music, where everything flows and rolls. An extremely pleasant, modern and accessible melody with keyboards that underline many melodic meanders accompanied by majestic voices, an excellent example of the band's ease. Sense of harmony, lightning guitars impressive rhythm section, the track sounds like a classic. An instrumental closes the album with a hazy synth intro, "Dream Dancer" then launches with a bass that takes precedence over an extremely pleasant, modern and accessible melodic line with keyboards evoking Tony Banks from Genesis.

A very interesting album, without weak point, well balanced in sound and artistic approach, it delivers content that is definitely worth a look, if you like progressive music!

​  

Background Magazine Review (Amsterdam, Netherlands, June 2021)

Article by: Erik Neuteboom (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen)

https://www.backgroundmagazine.nl/CDreviews/TheFarCryIfOnly.html

The Far Cry is a USA based formation rooted in 1976 when the musical friends Robert Hutchinson (drums, percussion, bells and spoken words) and Jeff Brewer (lead/backing vocals, bass, bass synth, bass pedals and guitar) started to make music together. And in the Eighties the duo was part of the highly acclaimed USA prog band Holding Pattern. Now fast forward to 2013 when Robert Hutchinson purchased a speaker cabinet Jeff Brewer had for sale. In the attendant dialogue, the pursuit of the likely impossible was quickly broached and a decision made to chase the dream just one more time. Thus the seeds for The Far Cry were sown. Eventually, the duo decided to enter the recording studio to get the material up and running.

Guitarist Bryan Collin had already been in contact, having answered a Craigslist ad, and was amenable to playing on the recordings. Bryan Collin was now The Far Cry guitarist. Still, a highly competent keyboardist was required. Studio owner and master engineer John Bolduc was asked if he knew of any keyboard man who could properly interpret and perform the music he was hearing. John responded instantaneously: Chris Dabbo. No time was wasted in contacting him. All involved were highly enthused and Chris was drafted in as keyboardist for The Far Cry.

Most of the seven compositions on their debut If Only... are built around the dynamic, alternating and powerful rhythm section (Robert on drums and Jeff on bass), embellished with inventive work on keyboards and guitars. One moment the music reminds of King Crimson, as in the varied The Mask Of Deception (fiery and sensitive guitar runs), and in The Missing Floor (bombastic eruptions with fat synthesizer flights and heavy guitar riffs).

At other moments Frank Zappa comes to my mind, like in the hypnotizing Programophone (growling bass, and howling and biting guitar runs).

The long song Simple Pleasures (close to 14 minutes) starts and ends in an AOR atmosphere with strong vocals, in between a tender grand piano interlude, joined by acoustic guitar, then a sumptuous outburst featuring a flashy synthesizer solo, in the end fiery guitar leads.

The tracks Winterlude, Winterlude Waning and Dream Dancer showcases the mellow side of the band, the first two featuring tender grand piano play and warm acoustic guitar, simply wonderful, the other one dreamy work on electric guitar and keyboards.

Finally the epic titletrack close to 17 minutes. First a bombastic eruption with fat synthesizer flights and a Mellotron choir sound, then a catchy mid-tempo, topped with rock guitar and synthesizer flights. Next a mellow part with soaring keyboards, then tic-toc sound and bells, followed by a bombastic and dynamic sound, and finally military drums and flute.

I consider this debut CD as a dynamic and varied effort with lots of interesting musical ideas and good musicianship.