Darla Farmer seems to be getting bigger and bigger by the day. The band released their newest album, Rewiring the Electric Forest (Paper Garden), earlier this year and new fans seem to be coming out of the woodworks every day. The most captivating thing about this record is that there are horns surrounding nearly every piece of music. They add a dramatic effect to each song, especially on the track “Dirty Keys.”  Singer Clint Wilson has a voice that sounds like it could be in an avant garde punk band, but instead he knows exactly how to tame it to fit the music.

One of the most standout songs on the album is the blissful and dreamy track “The Cow That Drank Too Much.” It brings out the mellow side of the band and fits perfectly into the album midway, giving the listener a bit of a break from the upbeat tunes. The track also has a bit of 60’s soul vibe, which is really interesting to hear the band off; but they do it well.

“Tommy Bones,” may remind you a bit of Dr. Dog in some parts but Darla is by no means ripping anyone off. Everything they try has their own distinct twist to it which most bands have a hard time accomplishing. Ending the album is “Tree On a Hill,” a tune that makes a wonderful closing to the record. It’s not overdone, and features Wilson’s voice as the dominant performance in the song. Darla Farmer are also doing a few tour dates this October. Be sure to check them out if they’re in your neck of the woods!

Darla Farmer Tour Dates

10/1- Bar Le Syndrome for Pop Montreal Festival – Montreal, Quebec
10/2- Paper Garden Records Picnic – Montreal, Quebec
10/5 Piano’s – New York, New York
10/8 The Red & Black Bar – Washington DC
10/9 The 5 Spot for Next Big Nashville – Nashville, Tennessee

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Album Review