Album Review

Far – Pony

• 24th Jan 2010

Jonah Matranga returns to his steady and reliable first rock ride, after a stirring interlude of solo material and the ingratitude that the music industry showed, towards his emo titlting project, Gratitude. Now seeking to resurrect their spirit of the early 1990’s, Far have mustered a late 70s/early 80s rock riff splattered number ‘Pony’, to grab attention in the build up to the release of their forthcoming fifth studio album.

Matranga’s vocals take on a distorted Prince cavorting with Marilyn Mason, Freddie Mercury and Marc Bolan flavour, a far cry from his hearty solo forays. Provocative backing cooing and seedy lyrics shows that this Sacramento born quartet has discovered renewed fuzz and vigour.

An acoustic version of this glam tainted offering, gives those who appreciated the personal and intimate touch of Matranga’s solo material, plenty of time for nostalgic dwelling. Patted percussion interludes and trickling acoustic touches provides the poignancy to contrast with the boldness and frivolity of the A-side.

The simplicity of the lyrics lets down this approach slightly, but the two songs combined do show that Far still has more than enough in their locker to be able look to the future.