Adam Farrell does several things quite well on his self-titled indie album, including writing eleven songs that cut across the genre board, all of them well delivered.
The first half of the album is straight-ahead rock, and as the first several tracks go by you begin to notice Farrell’s way with a chorus. “End of Me” especially, serves up strongly melodic choruses, Farrell’s vocals flying high over percolating beats. “Over My Head” starts off sweetly acoustic but moves quickly into a MercyMe electric groove, the rhythm section tight under the layered vocals, and Adam Farrell is now seriously channeling Bart Millard.
Which is not to say his sound is derivative. “The Way I Do” has a looming quality to it, in spite of its slamming beats. But I’m ready for a change when the softly acoustic opening on jazz-tinged “Out of This Place” begins. Its sparkling piano introduces the album’s second half, offering a bit more diversity. The richly-textured worship track “Without You” is more MercyMe pop-rock, with splashy drums and catchy guitar riffs. The trend continues with “So Go,” pop with a snap to it, provided by layered guitars. Standout track “Today” comes across as a song of great release, both physically and emotionally, Farrell’s vocals soaring over hooky guitars and a tightly simmering organ.
Both “See You Again” and “I’ve Found Love” offer a sweetly nuanced sound, Farrell’s violin accenting the first track’s soaring melody line. Farrell covers well these songs of relationship, both vertical and horizontal. Find more information on this Canadian indie artist on his website.
