FARCRY is a Hard Rock band hailing from the New York/New Jersey area of the United States, with feet solidly planted in the AOR, mainstream style. They have released two albums to date, in "High Gear" from 2009 and "Optimism", from 2011. The band was originally formed by guitarist Pete Fry in 2006, and now (through lineup changes leaving Fry the only original member) are on the cusp of releasing their third studio album, "Balance", in the spring of 2021.

As stated, FARCRY are deeply rooted in the AOR sounds of the past, but they don't have a "retread" feel about them. The songs on "Balance" feel fresh and are very well penned, both musically and lyrically. The content brings to mind some of the better moments of bands such as FOREIGNER and DANGER DANGER from the eighties, and the musicianship feels as honest and pure as anything I have heard of its kind in quite some time.

Going straight to matters at hand, the title cut, "Balance", opens the ten song, forty-four minute release, on an extremely strong note. The anthemic nature of the song lends itself well to an opener. The guitar work is sublime, although all hands are on point across the board. Bob Malone's vocal work reminds me of the late Tony Lewis of the eighties' mainstream band THE OUTFIELD, with a very similar range and style. All in all, a great start to what would promise to be a great release.

More good guitar work and another stellar vocal punctuate "Stay Away", the album's second track. Worth the price of admission for that vocal alone, the song also features a blazing guitar solo and a very solid rhythm section throughout. This track is a bit edgier than the opener, musically speaking, and has an energetic urgency to it.

Highlights abound on this record. The harmony guitars on the intro and solo of "I'll Find The Way" are amazing, as are the vocal harmonies on the chorus. "Reaper" is a heavier moment and has some nasty guitar work in it, to boot. More harmony guitars are featured along the way, and several moments of brilliant songwriting from these guys. A VERY solid release, and one I will be returning to often. Hopefully, we'll get to hear more out of this band soon. I know I'll be waiting.