Album Review: Far - At Night We Live

It's been twelve years since Far last released a full-length, their "comeback" record, 'At Night We Live' is unbelievably warming with plenty of urgency. Jonah Matranga and company have crafted a record that could be considered the best alt-rock record of 2010.

Throughout we are given a good balance of loud and quiet songs with opener 'Deafening' being Far at their most loudest with Matranga's vocals soaring in the chorus. Whilst 'If You Cared Enough' is one of the many highlights with a strong chorus built around the line of "So what do you do, if you cared enough?"; driving guitars, delicate piano notes and melodic backing vocals round off superb number.

Elsewhere 'When I Could See' provides a captivating moment which leaves you hanging on to Matranga's every last word. 'Give Me A Reason' is laid back in tone with an escalating chorus. 'Dear Enemy', 'Better Surrender' and 'Fight Song #16,233,241' are more rockier but still keep the alluring choruses that are favourable and are found throughout.

The album reaches its peak with the title track, 'At Night We Live' (written as a tribute to Deftones bassist Chi Cheng) is near-perfect with its lingering guitars, simple rhythm and powerful vocals which makes you feel the bands sorrow and creates an overall haunting tone.

Closing track 'The Ghost That Kept on Haunting' (excluding the bonus cover of Ginuwine's 'Pony') is slow burning which leads to a sensational release with spacey guitars and pounding drums. It sounds astounding and finishes the album impeccably.

Consistently 'At Night We Live' draws you in and makes you realise this album is special and equally brilliant. Far sound refreshed and hungry and with this mixed in with their experience, they have positioned themselves to create a record that is passionate, powerful and energetic with a wretched yet reawakened tone. It's overall sincerity and instancy concludes with welcoming Far back with open arms.

5/5

'At Night We Live' by Far is released in the UK on June 7th on Xtra Mile and in the US on May 25th on Vagrant Records.

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Sean Reid