One thing we've talked about on this show is how tight-knit certain branches of the Indy music family tree are. I first stumbled on The Farewell Audition by way of No Pit Cherries to Veseria to Verdant Vera to Audiodacity, etc. These are bands that, in my opinion are pure class in the way that they show up to each others' shows, turn their fans on to each others' bands, and in general really go the extra mile to help promote and grow the scene. These efforts aren't lost on outsiders, and I've had more than one out of town band remark on how it's amazing that musicians in Indianapolis are really starting to work as a unit, while Los Angeles, Chicago, and other markets are rife with stores about bands tearing down other bands' flyers, stealing members, sabotaging shows, etc. Makes me feel good about what we've got going on here.
The Farewell Audition features songs that are well within the sphere of alternative rock/pop with tinges of angry punk, but at the same time has playful touches of cerebral musicality that give it epic overtones without crossing that fine line into self-indulgence that is common among academically trained musicians. While the songs often contain little complexities and in-jokes for the music theory savvy, the band is constantly aware during the writing process of when they may have gone to far, and when they need to scale back to avoid losing the broader appeal. Definitely a very smart listen for anyone looking a new band to sink their ears into.
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