Search - Farpoint :: First Light

Farpoint Rising

Toni LeTempt | Sumter, SC USA | 07/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Words of Pain" You see this title and might expect a blaring heavy metal song or if you are on the opposite end of the musical exprience a sappy love song. But you would be wrong in both regards. "Words of Pain" starts out with soft, haunting guitar building to include the flute and organ that add the sound of wanting and remorse to the melody. Eventually giving way to the clear notes of the flute. Then a clear voice intones the sound of desparate love. A love that knows it is over but still yearns for contact. It is at once a lovers lament and a souls cry for release. Farpoint's First Light is an impressive freshman album. My favourite songs are: "Words of Pain", "Tartans" (This is instrumental, but kicks [butt]!), "Circles", and "Long Slow Journey". The album is at its best when the female lead singer, Dana Oxendine's voice is allowed to soar. Her crisp clear notes combined with the flute is truly a sound to behold.If you are on a musical journey through life I suggest at stop at Farpoint. (A Wink and a Nod to the band for their subtle salute to ST:TNG!)"

My encounter with Farpoint...

Chris Letempt | Marietta, GA United States | 07/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a very worth debut for the up and coming progressive rock band, Farpoint. The album is well written and performed. Lead singer Dana Oxendine shines on this first release. Her vocals are strong and sultry. Guitar, bass, and drums are very tight. What really impressed me was the obvious effort put into the production and engineering of this cd. High quality prog that echoes Pink Floyd, Genesis, and Yes. Worthy of the collection!Bands like this are hard to come by. I can tell they really love to make music. Good music..."

Good, positiive, diverse music

tommut | Raleigh, NC | 09/05/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I met with some of the guys from FarPoint when they visited ProgDay 2002 in NC. I had no idea what to expect (as they weren't performing there; a shame...) but I was quite surprised at how good the album was. The music itself is quite challenging, and diverse with a variety of different styles. It certainly has progressive influences. The only qualm that I have is when singer Clark Boone takes over lead vox. He has a very rough voice that wildly contrasts Dana's vocals. While this can be a good thing, Boone's vocals sound unpolished and stretched. That said, I have grown used to his sound and it doesn't hinder the music. If you can learn to enjoy Geddy Lee from Rush, Jon Anderson from Yes, or James Labrie from Dream Theater (all of whom I like), then there's no problem here. One other thing is that the lyrics are extremely positive. This can be a good thing. I wouldn't quite classify this as "Christian Rock" but religion is obviously an influence on the band and the lyrical themes. Normally I am adverse to things branded with this label, but there is nothing here that is overt or feels forced upon the listener. Just beautiful positive lyrics.All in all, an excellent and unique album."