WestCoast Performer Magazine CD review of "Selfish" EP
by Allison Foley
Recorded and mixed by Brad McGowan at Little Red Wagon Studios in Fremont, CA Mastered by Jeff Lipton at Peerless Mastering in Newton, MA On Selfish, Farewell Typewriter remembers what it’s like to be on the verge of adulthood. A coming of age story, the CD finds the Bay Area quartet revisiting the trials typically associated with one’s late teens and early twenties to the beat of catchy indie rock tunes. " On Selfish, Farewell Typewriter remembers what it’s like to be on the verge of adulthood. A coming of age story, the CD finds the Bay Area quartet revisiting the trials typically associated with one’s late teens and early twenties to the beat of catchy indie rock tunes. " The album starts off with “I’m Good I Swear,” a song about the challenges of upholding moral beliefs when faced with being responsible for one’s own actions. Grant Shellen sings, “I knew when I went to college / That my head would fill with knowledge / But I hoped it wouldn’t push my values out / Seven bottles later / As I puked in the elevator / I knew there had to be an in-between.” Following this opening track are several variations on the “girls are so confusing” strain of boy-talk. The final song, “You Know the One I Mean” attempts an ode to the moochy friend: “I’m the ghost that always haunts / I’m the friend that always wants / Something done for him and done ASAP.” A very truthful and seriously funny song. The tone and overall vocal style are very straightforward on Selfish and the CD is generally no frills as far as instrumentation is concerned. Solid drumming by Steve Slater propels each song forward into a swelling bridge or a swinging chorus. A synthesizer comes in on two songs in a successful attempt to up the dorkitude. For an initial effort, this album presents itself well. It seems it would be most relatable and enjoyed by those currently struggling through this limbo zone of growing up, with plenty of potential for new dimensions to be added musically as the band matures and other lyrical themes are explored. (Snow Tiger Records) The Deli Magazine | Starry Plough Show
by Michael Bang
Farewell Typewriter had free earplugs "because it's loud in here. At least it's about to be." "Woo!" the crowd responded, as you may have guessed. The first few songs were upbeat, danceable indie rock. They nailed an intense cover of "Eleanor Rigby" by The Beatles, which I really enjoy hearing different bands interpret. Guitarist Grant Shellen handled the vocals with a lot of support from bassist Jason Countryman. Audie Roldan played guitar and keyboard, but his stage moves were so epic he didn't need an instrument. They ended with "The Spoils of the Spoiled" by The New Amsterdams. Drummer Steve Slater really let loose on this one, making me wish the noise ordinances could be lifted for a night. The Awesomeness Blog | Apature 2008This year, the APAture event took place over the last weeks of September. Before this even was talked about in my Ethnic Studies class, I will freely admit to my ignorance about it. I had no idea that this event took place every year. Now, that I do know about it I will definitely try to make a solid effort to go to at least one day each year. This year, I could only go to the Friday event where the different bands played. Even though I managed to go, I was only able to stay and see one band, Farewell Typewriter. This is a four piece rock band. Again, I went to this with some preconceived notions about what these bands might sound like. I thought I would go there and hear some techno- ish rock music that is completely different then what I listen to. " Farewell Typewriter is an awesome band...despite the fact that it is rock, there is something different about it that differs it from other little indie-rock bands " However, I am happy to say that that was a stupid blond-moment on my part. Farewell Typewriter is an awesome band, one that I would listen to any way because what they play is one of the types of music that I listen to regularly. However, despite the fact that it is rock, there is something different about it that differs it from other little indie-rock bands. I almost want to say that they were a little off-beat. Not in the musical way, because I wouldn't know about that, but in the fact that something I can't quite put my finger on, makes them different. If that last sentence didn't make sense, I am sorry. What I mean is that something in the way that their songs are composed (I guess would be the word) is different then anything I have heard. My favorite song of theirs is "Spoils of the Spoiled." There reason I like this song is that really good beat that they have going in the beginning. Anyway, for anyone who has never gone to the APAture event, I highly recommend it because there is such a good atmosphere. The people you see and the things that are there are just...for lack of a better word, breathtaking. Not in the sense that it is so beautiful that it takes your breath away, in the sense that you know you are seeing something truly amazing. |
      
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