The Far Cry – ‘Once There Was’ [Album Review]

Prog-rock outfit The Far Cry recently released their new album, Once There Was, a collection of songs reminiscent of ’70s progressive rock bands such as King Crimson, Yes, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Genesis, and Gentle Giant.

Made up of Robert Hutchinson (drums, percussion, bells, spoken word), Jeff Brewer (vocals, bass, bass synth, bass pedals, guitar), Chris Dabbo (piano, keyboards, vocals), and Brendan Kinchla (lead guitar, acoustic and electric guitars), The Far Cry’s music engages superb arrangements, atmospheric melodies, soft interludes, shifting tempos and time signatures, expressive vocals, and thoughtful lyrics.

Encompassing 15 tracks, Once There Was presents a fascinating musical work of art. Suggested entry points include the lengthy opening track, “Unholy Waters,” conjuring up memories of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, with dollops of Styx infusing the tune with a scintillating quality. Hutchinson’s drumming, simultaneously finessed and sharply balanced, perfectly accentuates the altering melody.

A personal favorite because of its portentous, oozing intro, “Crossing Pangea” rolls into a dazzling, gliding motion that soars, wheels, and pirouettes on soaring guitars and a twinkling piano. It’s a shapeshifting song full of changing textures and color patterns.

The Far Cry, photo courtesy of artist

“Dimension Of Darkness” conjures up the magical mood and shadows of Ridley Scott’s film, Legend – at once eerie and enchanting. While “Falling In Line” blends flavors of Styx-like rock with tangs of Rush-like synthesizer surfaces into an electrifying listening experience – as if standing in the path of an oncoming hurricane.

“And Ever After,” the final track, features shimmering guitars riding on resonant darker tones as oscillating synths imbue the melody with glassy, chiming facets. The harmonics evoke the feeling of sailing slowly through the Empyrean with its myriad hues and enveloping misty tendrils.

Suffused with an alluring freshness that makes it much more than just another prog-rock album, Once There Was is outstanding.

Once There Was Track Listing:

1. Unholy Waters
2. Crossing Pangea
3. The Following
4. The Rising
5. Once There Was
6. Dimension Of Darkness
7. Gathering Of Shadows
8. The Agitation
9. Videosyncrasy
10. The Carnival Of Doom
11. Falling In Line
12. What Once Was
13. Rest Assured
14. Now The Sun
15. And Ever After

Run Time: 64:00
Release Date: March 1, 2025
Record Label: Independent