Words: Ryan Getz

Farro releases a straightforward record that may be underwhelming to some fans, yet accomplishes exactly what they set out to do.

Farro is the brainchild of Josh Farro, one half of the Farro brothers that helped found Paramore and co-wrote songs like “Misery Business”, “Decode” and “crushcrushcrush.” Following a shakeup in the lineup, each brother has gone his own way – Josh with Farro and Zac with Halfnoise. The jury still seems to out on whether longtime Paramore fans are ready to embrace two brands less tailor made for them, but in the case of Farro (the band), Josh seems to be paving the way for old-time fans to enter a world of assertive contemplation.

Walkways is the sort of record I picture putting on while driving home from my grandparents’ house in Kent, Ohio. Thinking about life, reflecting on my day as the farm land and blue-collar towns pass me by on I-71. Not after dark, but near sunset would match the mood.

One of my favorite tracks on the album is “On the Wire,” a tune that marches on with its cycle of tension and resolution in the melodies. Musings about the hands of time and walking on a tightrope echo in my head after the song ends and I’m compelled to listen again.

Album opener “Cliffs” emulates a mood I’ve heard many times over, that makes me want to go on a drive through the city. Nashville comes to mind – likely because Josh lives there – but the song definitely captures a mood I’ve come to associate with my visits there. It has a reserved yet definitive message about the benefits of risk taking. “Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself” is a biblical exhortation that comes to mind quickly.

Walkways is adept at exploring the many angles of assertive, yet not particularly aggressive indie rock. “Islands” I immediately compare to Young the Giant’s song of the same name. There are obvious differences in the vocal styles and structure of the song, but otherwise, we have quiet, atmospheric songs that sound like their genesis was on a hilltop somewhere. “Home” is another favorite, going further down the acoustic indie rock rabbit trail.

Walkways is definitely a grower that many listeners will find unremarkable at first. I went into this album really wanting to love it, so my initial listening experience was a little underwhelming. I’m unsure where this record will end up on my best of 2016 lists, but Farro has allowed me a chance to pause and truly take in what I was listening to.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSvfh_w2D34[/youtube]

Score: 3.7/5

Farro: Facebook | iTunes