The Far Out - The Far Out

​The Far Out

The Far Out
​self-released; 2023

​​​​By ​Dino DiMuro

A group of lifelong friends in Boston got together and formed a high energy pop-funk outfit called The Far Out. Their debut four-song EP is also called The Far Out. The six band members are Ellie Dolan (vocals/trumpet), Henry Zagarella (vocals/keys), Olivia Lowe (vocals/guitar/flute), Colin Senechal (saxophone/guitar), Ryan Fremont-Smith (bass/vocals) and Drew Phillips (drums). Songs from the new EP have appeared on the River 92.5 radio station as well as many web-based streamers. Their music has been called “feel-good and infused with groove.” 

These songs were recorded both at home and at the Record Co. in Boston, with mixing and mastering by bassist and producer Ryan Fremont-Smith, with assistance on “Long Time Coming” from Matt Miceli. 

“Long Time Coming” is the opening track and has an accompanying video which I’m using as a cheat sheet. The conceit of the video is that the band is playing a high school senior prom. The band members are dressed to the nines and the “kids” look well into their late twenties. Musically the track starts with saxophone and keys, with a full, rich sound from the very first note. Ellie Dolan is an excellent lead vocalist with a clean, high tone and expressive flourishes (I’m assuming she overdubbed trumpet as well). Sax player Colin Senechal takes a rollicking solo while someone in the video spikes the punch. The recording and mixing quality is top-notch and totally radio friendly. Aside from musically, this group really does seem to enjoy being around each other and that feeling is infectious.

Moving back to the EP, “Good Thing” starts with an even heavier does of brass but with roughly the same tempo and feel as the lead single. One difference is that despite the presence of the full band, this tune is quieter and more  intimate, allowing Lowe to sing as if she’s confiding secrets to a friend. Dolan adds occasional vocal harmonies. In the best sense this track has the feel of a classic 45 RPM “B side,” meaning it could easily be its own hit single if a DJ played the wrong side! The arrangement features a classic build toward the middle sax solo and a triumphant conclusion.

“Another Thing” begins quite differently with Rhodes-like keyboards providing a simple backdrop for the sax to wander the scales at will. Lowe again claims centerstage with a vocal performance packed with soul. This is a confectionary-sweet torch song with tons of killer harmonies and an irresistible “Ooh ooh” chorus. By this point I’m starting to wonder if these guys are capable of writing any song that doesn’t sound like a top 40 smash! 

The final track “Life of the Party” is a total funk-fest with lead vocals this time by Henry Zagarella with the rest of the gang joining in. It’s a jumpy fusion-influenced track not too far from the great Stevie Wonder. This time there’s not as much sax and instead they feature a kind of calliope-sounding synth solo. Drummer Drew Phillips also finally gets his own quick solo section in which to shine. 

These guys totally delivered the goods and clearly have a long and bright future ahead!

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