When you have been party to writing a bucketful of million selling tunes, it is likely that the knack is not going to diminish when new pastures are ventured and sought. This is the scenario of INXS founder Andrew Farriss who continues his foray into the world of expansive country and Americana music with the release of a debut self-titled album consumed by a strong passion within. His arrival in this field was met with approval in 2020 when a seven-track EP was released. At the time a swift follow up was promised and within six months twelve further songs emerge to stake a valid claim of someone with inbuilt substance not chasing a quick buck.
Farriss draws upon his own depth of expertise and passion to deliver an album that finds a consistent groove on a plane higher than most contemporaries in his field. He uses a successful mix of a heavily produced and stripped sound to form a record that is both experimental and explorative while retaining that expected classy edge.
Before you even dip into its content, Farriss is spot on with a cover capturing the essence of a whim, inspiration and desired outcome. There is even a resemblance to Don Gallardo, and that is a fine shadow to follow if you want folks here to take you seriously.
When you hail from one vast land and have a desire to relocate your artistic licence in another vast land, it helps if you can create a travelling sound and this record certainly gets you in the mood for keeping on the move to the extent of being the perfect journey accompaniment. There are few moments when the soundtrack veers off the straightened road and Farriss adds a subtle darkness to his vocals that fit comfortably in the soundtrack he creates.
Among the twelve tracks, there are two unsubtle reminders of that distant knack not being lost These are the pop-rock infused single 'Run Baby Run' with all its catchy populist trappings and the brash closer 'You are My Rock' when Farriss calls in the cavalry to blast a big hole in the finale with all guns blazing.
The fact is that these two larger than life numbers easily slide in among the subtler songs to populate a varied record. Mandolin, fiddle and steel feature along the way as well with some detected pipes and whistles in the Celtic-tinged 'With the Kelly Gang'. My favourite track slips in at number six in the listings with a rootsy feel and country sheen lifting 'My Cajun Girl' from the tray onto the podium.
Farriss's fascination with the wide expanses of south west USA are core to the detour down this route in a commercial capacity. 'Apache Pass', 'Son of a Gun' and 'Drifting' all evoke this imagery either with their sound or storytelling features. Also the atmospheric opener 'Bounty Hunter - Hummingbird' with a 90-second instrumental intro acts as the ideal scene setter planting images of desert and tumbleweed.
With a distinguished facade and critically substantive undertones, Andrew Farriss shows that he belongs in this new world and delivers a record that resonates with grandeur and appeal. The strength and guile is apparent and most importantly it is a record that garners heaps of respect and enjoyment.
