The New Earth Farmers is a duo into a third name change, but for all purposes are a new act to fresh ears who can now enjoy a debut release under the current moniker. THE GOOD ONES GOT AWAY doesn't hang around long, yet leaves a strident mark that stakes a claim to resonate. 7 tracks joined by a 30-second interlude present a 25-minute album that lands as a part-cosmic - part-quirky escalating rocker.
The duo of Paul Knowles and Nicole Storto take the route of warming the listener up rather than diving head deep into the full intensity of their powerful repertoire. Three opening tracks curiously set the scene before launching the rocket that dominates the presence. 'Oh Mary' treads a slightly psychadelic path as album opener before ebbing into the curiously received and gently strummed 'My Dog God'. Things start to get twangy and a smite scratchy in 'The Universe is Hiding'. Seatbelts need securely fixing for the impending lift off.
'Judgment Day' races up the gears with a sturdy beat and good time rocking feel akin to bands ranging from new wave to garage tags. This track certainly has the legs to reach far from the close hinterland. We now enter a full on rocking environment in the jet stream of 'Waiting Such a Long, Long Time' where a blistering start keeps up the tempo. This is a slice of power pop and echoes of The Who's 'The Kids Are Alright' filters through the speakers.
The final two tracks split by the interlude have different complexions. 'The Garden' is a track recorded live in concert and its rousing rocking feel opens the curtains to what it is like to see the New Earth Farmers live. Probably more likely if you're California bound. The cosmic association emanates here. We end almost back where we started in the quieter temperate arms of 'Temporary Road' probably working better in the midst of what just heard.
THE GOOD ONES GOT AWAY could be construed as hard hitting Americana music spun in a tumble drier while sprinkled with cosmic powder and powered by frequent unleashed guitar playing. New Earth Farmers are enigmatic and set to arouse the interest of those within listening range.