Album Review: Francis Lung - Faeher's Son Vol. 1
By Devon Hannan, Contributor
[Songs Records, 2015]
Rating: 4/5
Key Tracks: "Age Limits," "You Know What I Mean"
Former WU LYF member Tom McClung has released his own EP entitled Faeher’s Son Vol. 1. While the EP takes a much more acoustic approach than his former band, McClung’s ambience could be described as an atmospheric and musing take on his past work. Vol. 1 is the first full EP from McClung since WU LYF broke up in 2012, with only two prior songs in his entire discography. The EP fits well alongside other acoustic folk artists such as Iron & Wine and Low Roar.
The album opens with “Something Blue,” a delicate track which follows a basic strum pattern and is lined with twinkling percussion. The song details McClung’s longing for understanding of the world around him, for the only thing he understood before was a former love. The song lacks instrumental diversity but makes up for it with excellent lyrics.
“Where Life Comes to Live” transitions into a completely different sound and use of instrumentation. Francis Lung pushes the traditional envelope by using elements of steel guitar and strong harmonies. The tonality of the piece drives its context; an adorable song about wanting to dance with a lady. The track sounds as if it could be played in a southern bar. The ending, a repetition of “Come on, baby, come on, give it up,” fades into “Oh My Love” effortlessly.
The final two tracks of the EP make it stand out amongst others within the genre. “Age Limits” begins with a slick, yet traditional sound. But about halfway through the track, still carrying the preceding undertones, drops with a much more upbeat drive.
“You Know What I Mean” brings Francis Lung’s first EP to an end the listener may not be quite ready for. The closer proves to be the most well thought out moment on the record, lyrically as well as instrumentally. The paramount lyrics at the inception of the track continue smoothly throughout until the final repetition of the titular line, “Yeah, you know what I mean.”
Francis Lung’s first EP is inimitable, and leaves his newfound audience wanting more. Faeher’s Son Vol. 1 is a great first impression of Tom McClung’s solo work and is hopefully indicative of his future as an artist within the singer/songwriter realm.
