Plano, Texas — All it took was two or three times through Fair to Midland's new 'Arrows and Anchors' CD before I began to recognize the brilliance behind this musical masterpiece.
What separates Fair to Midland from other modern bands is the depth of tracks from their albums. As my brother Dave said when we listened to the new CD this past weekend in Denver: "There is no weak link on the album."
Very true.
The songs are riveting, gripping tracks with heavy strings ("Whiskey & Ritalin"), melodic choruses ("Golden Parachutes") and the occasional growling ("Rikki Tikki Tavi") we've come to appreciate from lead singer Darroh Sudderth.
My favorite track on the new album would either be "Golden Parachutes" or "Short-Haired Tornado."
Oh yeah, that's another thing the band did on their follow-up to "Fables From A Mayfly:" Song titles remain incredibly bizarre. Lyrics, too, for that matter. I have no idea what any lyric on this album means, but it's fascinating to learn the words and try to squeeze out even the most minor of messages.
The new album does a fantastic job of keeping to Fair to Midland's image. Not all songs are radio-friendly, but after you listen to the album in its entirety, you wonder how long it will be before the band blows up on the radio. At first, Fair to Midland appears to provide an off-kilter, folk-artsy, puzzling sound that can only be fixed and/or solved by listening to the album again. It's at those points of listening to the album again that the musical brilliance becomes more evident. Odd dynamic, but that's how it went with me.
Just like Fables, the strength of 'Arrows and Anchors' lies within the late tracks. The continuous order of No. 8, 'Short-Haired Tornado,' No. 9, 'The Upset at Bailey Bridge' (musical interlude), No. 10, 'Rikki Tikki Tavi,' and No. 11, Golden Parachutes,' is just about the best stuff these guys have ever written.
No. 3, 'Musical Chairs,' should become a staple of live shows, and might be the radio hit that takes these guys to the next level of popularity.
I wish I could have attended the CD release party on July 12 in Dallas. I wasn't there, but my good friend, miss Terri Easley, was on hand. This bit of quality info from the concert is courtesy of her:
Live tracks played from Arrows: Amarillo Sleeps on my Pillow, Musical Chairs, Rikki Tikki Tavi, Coppertank Island, Golden Parachutes.
Live tracks played from Fables: Dance of the Manatee, Walls of Jericho, Say When, Tall Tales Taste Like Sour Grapes, A Seaferer's Knot.
According to Terri, the band opened with Manatee and closed with Parachutes. Interesting choices.
I couldn't be happier with the new CD. It's been on repeat for the past week, and will likely remain that way for the rest of the summer.
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