Brampton-based quartet New Design are off to a strong start with Far From Home. Their debut full-length is a twinkling, chiming ten-song package that infuses serene emo-tinged melodies with post-rock ambience, giving the album a distinct, powerfully melancholic atmosphere throughout.
The production on the album is astounding from the first song: the warmth of the bass and clean, even mix, courtesy of Kenny Bridges and Mike Evola, contribute greatly to the presentation of this set. Jeffrey Lee's vocals demonstrate variation throughout the record but are strongest in his lower register, as evidenced by songs like "So Long," in which his voice is beautifully harmonized with the other members of the band over the slow crescendo of the song.
The instrumental breaks — "Solaris" and "We Broke the Sun," specifically — highlight the band's technical proficiency and their ability to create mood, with glossy layers of reverb-drenched guitar riffs stacked atop one another. Far From Home is a dense and engaging listen from beginning to end.
(Independent)The production on the album is astounding from the first song: the warmth of the bass and clean, even mix, courtesy of Kenny Bridges and Mike Evola, contribute greatly to the presentation of this set. Jeffrey Lee's vocals demonstrate variation throughout the record but are strongest in his lower register, as evidenced by songs like "So Long," in which his voice is beautifully harmonized with the other members of the band over the slow crescendo of the song.
The instrumental breaks — "Solaris" and "We Broke the Sun," specifically — highlight the band's technical proficiency and their ability to create mood, with glossy layers of reverb-drenched guitar riffs stacked atop one another. Far From Home is a dense and engaging listen from beginning to end.