I think it is safe to say that we all had something that brought us comfort (and a false sense of protection) when we were very little human beings: I had a blanket (its name was Green Blanky) and was notorious for not going anywhere without it. Children do not think about the traumas being trounced on them constantly, they subconsciously seek comfort and shelter. This is what Fernway’s latest album “Autocrave” reminded me of: comfort long forgotten slowly being remembered.
Fernway, a 5-piece band from Buffalo, New York, do a wonderful job at creating a unique sound that simultaneously reminds (at least for me) the listener of that mid-2000’s emo-rock that we all knew and loved. But one thing I noticed about this band and this album is that you have 5 very well-trained musicians that all brought their own styles and influences to the table because the album cannot be nailed down to just one “sound,” if you will. You hear influences of jazz and classic rock (complete with epic guitar solos) sprinkled with pizzicato strings and synthesizers. This may be controversial and entirely my take on Fernway, but they’re a modern, fresh, less-whiny Simple Plan. I was a fan of Simple Plan as a kid, I am a fan of Fernway now.
Lyrically-speaking, this album is an emotional rollercoaster and one you wait 2 hours to get on then immediately get back in line to enjoy again (no like seriously, my Spotify would replay the album and I didn’t notice at first because I was enjoying it so much). Each song is very much a dialog between two people and the person the narrator is singing to changes from song-to-song. The songs range from jovial love songs to direct cries of nostalgia in “XXIII” (arguably my favorite song on the album). Some songs are optimistic, some pessimistic, all songs are very understandable. The album ends with a beautifully sung acoustic song in “Paper Man” that puts this very soft yet very important bow on “Autocrave” that serves a purpose of reminding the listener what exactly the narrator views themself as: “a hologram that you project, [they] feel mostly intangible–nothing more, nothing less.” I personally do not listen to this song, however, as a direct communication between the singer and the listener: this is the singer singing to, soothing and comforting their younger self.
This album grew on me. Do me a favor and make sure you listen to an album twice before forming even an inkling of an opinion: once via speakers, once via headphones. That was my lesson for this album and honestly one I’ll always carry with me; because while this album was enjoyable and easy to listen to passively, it truly shines when you listen consciously and attentively. The lyrics are outstanding, the music is excellently crafted and your inner child might thank you. Check out Fernway on Twitter and Instagram and check out “Autocrave” on Spotify. Also, for those on the East Coast, Fernway has some upcoming shows, for more information, check out their Link Tree.
Music Shelf With Mustard 