Everyone Is Out to Get Us

Far-Less are a band that attempt to straddle the lines of classification by being too melodic for intense metal and hardcore fans and too rough on the ears to satisfy the pop/rock audience. Well, for those who enjoy delving into the middle territory of those two extremes, Far-Less have served up an afternoon treat on their full-length Tooth and Nail debut, Everyone Is Out to Get Us. The disc finds the band offering up a diverse collection of songs that brim with complex guitar work, throbbing drumbeats, tight rhythms, and a seamless presentation where one song's ending often effortlessly ushers in the start of the next. The finishing touch is in the steady vocal styling of Brandon Welch, whose smooth voice stands firm against the most aggressive or growling of backdrops. "You Knew What This Was" is a frenetic introduction to the band's melodic hardcore/ metal mixture that suitably sets the mood for the rest of the album. "I Looked at the Trap, Ray" is the band boasting their hardcore roots, while the highlight of the record definitely falls in the lap of "Roswell That Ends Well." This animated track is an electrifying blend of styles, tempos, and emotions that plays out as more than just one dizzying track in its four minutes of length. Not to be overlooked, however, "Too Pretty (To Be a Zombie)" showcases tight playing over silky, earnest lyrics, and the closing piano-based "Semper" proves that the band can throw progressive into their ever-evolving genre repertoire. An overall enjoyable listen, Far-Less competently delivers on their first full-length excursion, not always by creating something entirely new, but instead by expanding on existing melodic hardcore and rock elements. Glimpses into their experimental side, however, show them to be prime for development, and with any luck, be further explored as the band continues to mature.