Anthony FArina - The Color Wheel

Anthony Farina 

Color Wheel
self-released; 2014

3.5 out of 5

By Stephen Jordan

Anthony Farina is a singer/songwriter and musician that I had not heard of until very recently, who released an EP called The Color Wheel back in late 2014. What makes Farina a real standout artist is that he was once deep in the heavy-rock, post-hardcore scene and has now transitioned into a much more mellow, acoustic sound. But he is still able to carry some of those rock sensibilities. 

"The Color Wheel" begins with some incredibly sweet acoustic instrumentation, intricately melodic. Farina's voice nicely complements the production surrounding it. The whole song is incredibly relaxing and contemplative with a sweet up-rise in tempo and energy during the hook. And the guitar solo in the last part of the song completely makes it original. 

"Here I Go Again" carries a more indie feel to it; soothing vocals with more humble instrumentation. The lyrics in this song in particular painted a pretty vivid picture of someone asking himself questions about love. The double harmonizing with the female vocalist Hillary Capps adds a real beautiful dimension to the song. "Simple Mazes" is one of my favorite tracks on the EP, which finishes off with another fantastic guitar solo, ending with all barrels blazing. 

The track "Greener Days" begins with a lot of energy, carrying a much more noticeable alternative-rock influence, flowing into a mellow production style for the verses. Also there is some really great percussion work. And ending the EP with "Drawn In," which is a lovely song that mainly encompasses an acoustic guitar and gives the project a sweet, emotional finale. 

Farina sometimes plays the emotionally fragile singer/songwriter angle. Whether he is cognizant or not he does and it's the same angle John Mayer and his clones have been barking up for years. Ladies will swoon but can also feel contrived if you don't play your cards right.

Any fan of indie/acoustic music, or just alternative music in general should  give this a listen and be the judge.

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