Futurebirds – Far Out Country I & II
Futurebirds’ latest effort, Far Out Country I & II, is expansive in both size and sound. On a two-volume set spanning 18 tracks, the Athens, GA, band manages to mine a slew of influences, from country and Americana to roots rock, for its most experimental sound yet.
The opening track, “Sienna Life,” is a mellow introduction to the set, with laid-back vocals over a picked acoustic guitar, before the band segues into a heavier sound with “Sleepless in the Cage,” pulling inspiration from Neil Young at his feistiest. Meanwhile, “Marco Polo I,” a song that is reprised toward the end of the record, is one of the catchiest tracks in the collection, with a solid electric guitar weaving its way throughout. The trippy “Fly On” is another standout moment, blending psychedelic guitars and pristine harmonies.
Despite having three separate songwriters in the band, there are some common themes running throughout Far Out Country, namely adapting to life as fathers and the tension of having a family waiting at home while working a job that requires constant time on the road. You can hear that vulnerability on songs like “Wishin’” and the bittersweet “Featherbed.” The album closes with the sweet ballad “Long Time Gone,” an emotionally weighty track that brings this ambitious collection to a satisfying close.
Half of this double album was recorded in Texas and channels the vibe and energy of the band’s live shows, while the other half was recorded piece by piece in smaller studios, giving those tracks a more focused and intimate feel. While double albums have a tendency to feel at least a little bloated, Futurebirds largely avoid that pitfall. With three songwriters and vocalists — Carter King, Thomas Johnson, and Daniel Womack — each bringing a distinct perspective and sound, the record rarely settles into a predictable groove.
Far Out Country I & II is an ambitious, sprawling collection that rewards repeat listens, showcasing a band still willing to push its boundaries while remaining rooted in the songwriting and harmonies that have defined its career.
Find more details here on there website: https://www.futurebirdsmusic.com
Enjoy some of our previous coverage here: REVIEW: Futurebirds “Easy Company”