Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review


Further Seems Forever, Penny Black
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Further Seems Forever
Penny Black



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 12 tracks: 36 minutes, 49 seconds
Street Date: October 23, 2012


Like so many other bands, Further Seems Forever started out of the remains of another band's breakup. When hardcore band Strongarm broke up, Chris Carrabba was recruited, a change in sound and name occurred, and a Spinal Tap-esque scenario began with lead singers. After three albums and three singers, the group called it quits in 2006. Then in 2010, the unthinkable happened... Chris Carrabba and the band reunited for a show. Two long years later proved to be a worthwhile wait as Carrabba's sophomore FSF album, Penny Black, released 11 years after the group's debut.

The album opener, "So Cold," is one of many rockers on the album and stands out as one of the best. In fact, Penny Black as a whole, is more of a rock record than The Moon is Down. While most of the album avoids overtly emo tendencies, Chris's emotional screams can still be felt full-boar on tracks like "Rescue Trained." A couple of other strong showings from this record are "Way Down" and "Staring Down the Sun."

The only misstep, so to say, is in "A System of Symmetry." It's not that the song is particularly bad, but its slightly electronic sound doesn't blend as well with the other tracks. One of the album's slowest songs just seems to take away from the overall cohesion of the whole. The title track is next up and the guitars within it scream classic FSF. It's actually quite fitting for "Penny Black" to also be the title of the record. "On the Outside" continues the old school feel, while "Engines" picks the rocking pace back up. "Rusted Machines" and "Stem the Loss" serve as nice songs as well, but more than anything lead to the beautiful closer, "Janie." The song is a slow acoustic ballad and may sound a touch more like Carrabba's post-FSF endeavor, Dashboard Confessional, than Further Seems Forever. The closer is the longest track on the record and really leaves the listener with a nice ending and the thought of satisfaction with their listening experience.

Penny Black is nothing short of a triumphant return for Chris Carrabba to Further Seems Forever. Although an enjoyable band to listen to, their history was rather sad to watch unfold. It just feels right that FSF is back with Carrabba at the helm. They gave fans a lot of heartache and uncertain times, but all of that has led up the band's best album to date. Do yourself a favor and give this somewhat overlooked album from 2012 a listen.

- Review date: 1/13/13, written by Michael Weaver of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 

. Record Label: Rise Records
. Album length: 12 tracks: 36 minutes, 49 seconds
. Street Date: October 23, 2012
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)
. Buy It: Amazon.com (Vinyl + CD)
. Buy It: Amazon.com (CD)

  1. So Cold (3:17)
  2. Rescue Trained (2:47)
  3. Way Down (3:12)
  4. King's Canyon (3:21)
  5. Staring Down The Sun (2:51)
  6. A System of Symmetry (2:38)
  7. Penny Black (3:20)
  8. On the Outside (2:48)
  9. Engines (2:31)
  10. Rusted Machines (3:17)
  11. Stem the Loss (3:03)
  12. Janie (3:50)

 

Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, November 19, 2024
SINGLES
Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)

This Wednesday, November 20, 2024
ALBUMS
1K Phew Let Go Let God: The EP [Reach]

SINGLES
Drew & Ellie Holcomb High Seas - Single [Magnolia]
Sleeping At Last Let It Snow - Single (independent)

This Thursday, November 21, 2024
ALBUMS
The Choir Translucent (independent)

SINGLES
Wilder Woods Curioso [Dualtone]

This Friday, November 22, 2024
ALBUMS
Coqui I'll Still Have Christmas Day - EP [DREAM]
for KING & COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE) [Curb]
Hope Through Grace John 20 EP [Southwest Hardcore]
The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
Kresher The Adventures of Sylas Spin EP (independent)
Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
mewithoutYou Live (Vol. One) (independent)
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
nobigdyl. nobigdyl. Unplugged, Vol. 1 [indie tribe]
Josiah Queen The Prodigal (Deluxe Edition) (independent)
R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
Since The Death His Heart Hates - EP [The Charon Collective]
Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]
Various Artists Sunshine Acres Benefit Compilation, Vol. 1 [Thumper Punk Records]
Various Artists Sunshine Acres Benefit Compilation, Vol. 2 [Thumper Punk Records]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down I Speak Jesus - Single [BEC]
99 APEX Find A Way Freestyle - Single [Syntax]
Cory Asbury You're Still The One - Single [BEC]
Ashes Remain Lost Light - Single [BEC]
Paul Baloche Angels We Have Heard On High/Glorious (feat. Sarah Kroger) - Single [Integrity]
Paul Demer Let All Things Now Living - Single (independent)
Elan Brio Sun Rays - Single (independent)
ELEVATION RHYTHM At the Altar (Acoustic) - Single [Elevation]
Happy Powers Garden Song - Single (independent)
Sam Hauge Fame You Can Buy - Single (independent)
Hollyn & Weathrman Trees - Single (independent)
Amy Jay And So It Goes - Single (independent)
Jericko Holy Ground - Single [Syntax]
Reece Lache' Energy - Single (independent)
Vic Lucas Presha - Single [Syntax]
Memphis May Fire Shapeshifter - Single [Rise Records]
MŌRIAH Winter Wonderland - Single (independent)
The Myriad Time - Single (independent)
Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
Katy Nichole When I Fall - Single [Centricity]
Makenzie Phipps O Holy Night - Single (independent)
Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
Ravenhill The Shakes - Single [Honey Gold Records]
River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
Scapegoat Solace (feat. MajesticGhost) - Single (independent)
Seph Schlueter Stay (Gonna Be Okay) - Single [Provident]
Jordan Smith How Great Thou Art - Single [Gaither]
TKE3 Found (feat. Leya) - Single (independent)
Vineyard Worship Royal Son - Single [Integrity]

VINYL
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]

Next Thursday, November 28, 2024
VINYL
Van Zant Always Look Up Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, November 29, 2024
ALBUMS
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) [Flatiron]
Thrive Worship Christmas, Vol. 2 - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
ICF Worship Light of the World - Single [Integrity]
Selah Glory Hallelujah (feat. Mike Weaver) - Single [Integrity]
Slow Salvation The Ghost of Christmas Past - Single [Velvet Blue]
Uche Agu, Revival Today Worship Medley of Hymns - Single [DREAM]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) Vinyl (Record Store Day Exclusive!) [Flatiron]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images