Irresistible electro-soul duo FARR master the art of the understated groove in ‘Blink Twice If You’re Okay,’ their hypnotic, sexy, and heavy-hitting new EP.
‘Blink Twice If You’re Okay’ – FARR
Hypnotic, sexy, groovy, and heavy-hitting, transatlantic electro-soul duo FARR have cemented themselves as varsity players of the current sonic landscape with their new EP.
Between powerhouse vocalist Roméo’s smooth, raspy, and soulful delivery and bassist/producer Linden Jay’s natural proclivity for the infectious groove, Blink Twice If You’re Okay is a truly groundbreaking project that leaves listeners amazed and inspired, considering that they’ve only just begun.
Can you be the answer to the questions in my head?
Star vocalist Roméo croons in dazzling falsetto on the opening track of the project, “Answers,” co-written with award-winning UK band Jungle, and Lydia Kitto (Jungle), who lent her background vocals to the entire EP. This midtempo, breezy opener sets the tone for this masterful EP. Infused with a tasteful psychedelic quality, the track is sonically reminiscent of 1970s soul giants, Marvin Gaye and Bill Withers.
Classic, clean harmonies float towards a bold crescendo buoyed by a brass section while Roméo’s raw vocal prowess is understatedly introduced, and is thoughtfully given the proper room to build throughout the 5-track project.
Formed in 2019, FARR have evolved from a meeting of styles into a unique musical force over the past five years.
Comprised of LA-born Roméo and London-born Linden Jay, FARR has been steadily building an ever-growing base since their first single release in 2017. Linden, a London-based, GRAMMY Award-nominated producer, has an extensive discography working with artists like Doja Cat, Joji, Duke Dumont, and Stormzy.
Roméo, whose background as a classically-trained violinist has informed his melodic tendencies, is an in-demand vocalist and producer who has contributed vocals and production to notable artists like Joey Bada$$ and Gorgon City.
FARR have amassed over 100 million streams since their 2020 debut album Weightless. Their brilliantly reimagined soul cover of La Roux’s 2009 hit ‘Bulletproof’ which was featured in the end credits of Netflix’s comedy series ‘Blockbuster’ in 2022, generated well-deserved (and long overdue) traction. Having released a string of forward-thinking singles over the last few years (and amassing a dedicated audience of 2 million monthly Spotify listeners), FARR were invited to open for Erick The Architect (rapper, producer, and member of legendary hip-hop trio, Flatbush Zombies) earlier this year.
Blink Twice If You’re Okay, released May 10, 2024 via Easier Said Records, is an elegantly concise showcase of the pure, enigmatic magic of FARR.
I belong with you, baby
I fall in love again and again
I was gone, wasted
And heaven knows I’m in need of a friend
The EP’s second track, “In Need of a Friend,” released as a single in March 2024, is a complete modern earworm containing the poppy charm of early Rex Orange County. Bouncy and driving with a dancey, strong bass line, “In Need of aFriend” is an instant classic that demands our full attention. If you’re fortunate enough to catch FARR live (it’s a next-level show), warm-spirited Roméo may teach you a melody with which to join the song. Though it’s unlikely that you’ll ever sound as good as him, he’ll encourage you nonetheless.
If you stick with me, baby
We’re gonna make it to the summer
“Make It To Summer” follows, a bright, airy song that evokes dazzling feelings of electric, mellow love. Incorporating neo-soul influences, the luscious vocal quality of early Maxwell (yeah, I said it!), and sunny flutes, the sensual track contains a nostalgic familiarity. It possesses sultry rises and falls, opening boldly at each chorus while maintaining its central rhythmic integrity.
Where did we go wrong?
How can I make it right?
“Doom Gloom,” the duo’s first release since Weightless, is a personal favorite of mine. With its quick, buzzing bassline and ethereal vocals, it pulls gracefully at our heartstrings, and poetically details the tumultuous nature of strained intimacy. Consisting of soaring harmonies and a moody guitar riff juxtaposed by sparse production, “Doom Gloom” both sounds entirely novel and also like a long-forgotten sample used by a jazz rap titan such as Q-Tip or MF Doom. The song features a simple, raw rap verse by Roméo that seamlessly bleeds back into melody.
Keep your face towards the sunrise, restless child
Feast love from your lies,
you won’t find it nowhere else
You must learn to let go, restless child
It’s all in the echo
To help you now
Finally, the EP closes with “Restless Child,” the grittiest moment of the entire project. Sonically and lyrically akin to rapper/producer pioneer Jonwayne, FARR takes off emotional masks and earnestly explores themes of youthful fear and depression. But in classic FARR fashion, positivity and appreciation of the divine is never far away.
Blink Twice If You’re Okay investigates the unpredictably cosmic ebbs and flows of life. It is the living manifestation of FARR’s hard-won evolution, a true labor of love, a culmination of years of work, love, discovery, loss, pain, and heartbreak. Grounded in inborn artistic flow, Blink Twice If You’re Okay questions the very nature of existence, from the deepest thrills to the lowest lows, yet always holds a deep lust for life at the center of all exploration. FARR possesses the secret sauce of success, delivering cold truths in a package so crisp, succinct, and magnetic that we barely feel the pain.
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© Easier Said
© Easier SaidBlink Twice If You’re Okay
an EP by FARR
