Mandolin Muse
Feral Conservatives provide what initially seems to be basic pop rock in Here’s to Almost. While the drumming in several tracks is far too simple, the overall project is not lacking in innovation. The band, which kicked things off in 2011 with a series of EPs, offer edgy punk harmonies that impart a youthful angst, while the beat remains optimistically carefree yet syncopated with rare but enthralling deviations. The mixing of genres is subtle but clever. You get a folk-punk combination amongst the jangle pop base with grunge rock leanings. The real savior is the mandolin, which offers an interesting touch to each arrangement.
“Round the Corner” begins with a simple pop rock beat and vocals that turn from lower range grunge to rising harmonies along with the sentiment, “I hope to run away.” The childish rebellion begins, the top harmony line soaring into a surprisingly pleasant soprano atmosphere with a little bit of edge, while the bass line keeps the track tethered.
“Complacent” is indeed complacent, though there is some nostalgia floating over the typical rhythm. “Last Light” picks up some interest with some inter-tangled strums and added percussion on top of the drums. The vocals impress with some long notes and a sweet yet powerful falsetto.
“Twenty Eight” has a solid intro and instrumental solo that provides a rising rock energy, while “Pacific Child” has more of a decidedly pop beat and surfy lyrics. “Ocean seashores and tides are keeping me from your side,” sings singer and mandolin player Rashie Rosenfarb.
“Bus Driver” stands out because of its interesting instrumental structure, which involves a jazz introduction that turns into a punk rock drive. It features electric guitar before dissolving into a sweet folk solo with horns to fill out the sound. “Class Reunion” is a passable listen, but “Acrylics” really lets the beauty of the mandolin shine with a saccharine acoustic sound featuring the sweet side of Rosenfarb’s voice. A real sadness subtly arises in the production.
“Wait for Me” ends things with an interesting drumbeat finally and the allowance of white space to really bring out the emotion. The sparse composition is refreshing. This track turns away from the past and looks more toward the future in a hopeful yet unsure blend. The Feral Conservatives improve in production throughout the disc, latter tracks outshining their contemporaries and really displaying what the three-piece has to offer.
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