GIVEN THE IMPOSSIBLE

Moving forward to a new meadow, far or near doesn't play a role. Released at the end of the year 2016, their sophomore album 'Given The Impossible' is dominated by a new remarkable female singer. Named Marguerita Alexandrou and equipped with a rather exclusive and clear voice, which accurately fits the music, or better leaves an important imprint on it. As a sidenote, while always searching for something special, for me she's looking like Barbra Streisand a bit. Sorry, if ever, in that case a younger incarnation of course. Furthermore, another attraction, this band hailing from London is responsible for song writing, melodies, arrangements and production as a unity.

Works quite well! Hereby they are dealing with dinosaurs, warriors and sirens amongst other issues. Every track has its own characteristics. For example when they are adopting the traditional 'Scarborough Fair', probably bestknown due to the Simon & Garfunkel implementation. Not difficult to recognize, but this is artfully wrapped up by the contrasting Seamless Shirt anyhow. Hence it will not take long until the band's potential is fully evident. The album's centerpiece is made of four intriguing tracks. Starting with the tricky symphonic Industry which incorporates some classical and Flamenco impressions. 'And she loves her country ...' - in between they are sending us A Gentle Warrior - somewhat smart and charming.

Some Dinosaurs dare to feature a rather jazzy interlude and the extended Himalaya Flashmob comes in two stages. In the meanwhile I really adore the second instrumental section, playfully presented, including those Himalayan Sirens. Lobate Scarp, District 97, Touchstone, Big Big Train are bands similar in sound, at least partially. Sending a bravo to the far meadow now. I'm still detecting new facets. All the instruments are played with proper variety, no exception. Thus consequently 'Given The Impossible' has reached for a place on my 2016 Top Twenty List. I strongly recommend to have more than one or two listening sessions.

4,5 stars !!! When I heard this second album "Given the Impossible" from THE FAR MEADOW , at least I must recognize the extremely good taste in terms of arrangements and the balance between the musicians space in most of time, that indicates a major intention to make a good work to audience... Although this feature don't create a impediment to the musicians show their skills. I know that seems a paradox, but is exactly my impression. The album "flows" easily without any weak moments ( the best example is the first three tracks, which sound to me like a type of "Musical Suite") . Maybe, a certain detach could be given to Marguerita Alexandrou fantastic female vocals... very agreeable.. Ohter verry good musical moments as in:track 3 "Industry" and his guitar arrangement track 4 "A Gentle Warrior" with a beautiful intro flute and "fingering" guitar, a bass solo middle section and a closing section very similar to intro - track 5 " Dinosaurs " and the moog solo before a fantastic guitar/drum duet. In really all f tracks are fantastic and this disc deserves at least one audition ! My rate is 4 stars !!!