FAF OUT OF HAL

For Absent Friends

Neo-Prog

2.16 | 11 ratings

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ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer

This " FAF" album is not really great. But none of their albums were so far.

This one holds one short unreleased song (Looking for Love). Like most of these (unreleased I mean), it should have been better to remain so. It's mellow popish and poor. Sounds as a demo track and it's absolutely of no value.

One of the best moments (there won't be many) is the edited version of "Downtown", but it's just a commercial trick I guess. Original version was better and is also featured in onther version further on.

This Dutch band had released two albums prior to this one. I don't think it was useful to get some sort of a compilation work with such a short repertoire. This album is a combination of acoustic and live numbers actually.

I never have liked the "unplugged" exercise and this one is no exception. "Memories" is slightly better thanks to some drumming and piano backings but all these songs aren't benefiting anything from being converted to acoustic. A bit duller I guess. The palm going to "The Fight" but "Dreamer" is almost on par. Dreadful.

The only section that is bearable is the live one. One song from their first album and four from their latest release "Running In Circles" which was not a jewel to say the least. Two pleasant numbers here and that's it. Two prog-pop songs which a pleasant melody and a catchy chorus. An attempt to sound as the genuine "Marillion" but let's be honest, "FAF" is far to be as creative as them. Just easy listening music.

The second one is my fave from this release : "Running Scared" is rocking OK and the upbeat tempo is very much welcome but this is not an interesting album. Far from the brilliance of so many other Dutch bands. But the audience is reacting very well during the live songs. I can't say the same about my impression.

One star.

ZowieZiggy | 1/5 | 2008-1-2

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