An Outstretched Hand / Rain From Here To Kerry paints itself with strokes of atmospheric drama on a canvas of reserved lo-fi production that retains an impressive sense of dynamics through to its powerful climax. This arrives as the second single from Far Caspian’s upcoming album Autofiction, following the light and pensive First Day. For those uninitiated, Far Caspian is the project of Leeds-based musician Joel Johnston. It has been a place for him to meld, among other things, lo-fi sonics with contemporary rock and singer/songwriter tendencies. Creating tracks that exude an ethereal edge layered under sheets of warmth.
Starting with a driving rhythm, muted percussion plays beneath a medley of bright stereo guitars, splitting your attention as they trade notes, giving an inviting but hectic feeling. Something to lose yourself in but never truly be at ease. Calm vocals guide the listener along from moment to moment until the guitars let loose and become the focal point again. The song dives into an impressive bridge section as it feels like it almost falls apart, with the guitars dripping familiar notes in halftime until drums and fuzz-soaked bass build into an incredible second half, reigniting the listener’s passion and turning the expectations of their head.
It is also worth noting that just like its predecessor, An Outstretched Hand / Rain From Here To Kerry arrives with a likewise fantastic music video directed by Johnston himself. It is an entrancing watch that follows an almost archetypal scene of a robed man studying an individual with headphones on. There is something so intriguing and satisfying watching somebody fall, tumble and tilt in slow motion as this song draws you in. Johnston is wholly ingrained in his project from stem to stern, cultivating a strong expression of his artistic intent at every juncture. If you are craving more Far Caspian, there is a slurry of prior releases to dive into in preparation for Autofiction that drops July 25th on Tiny Library Records.
Written by Lando Flakes
