Far Caspian - “Come Down and Waste With Me”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 10

Pairs Well With…Lord Huron, Bon Iver, Gregory Alan Isakov

Far Caspian’s expanded version of debut full-length Ways To Get Out expectedly adds breadth to the indie folk artist’s songwriting. Gentle acoustic guitar chords are accompanied by minimal, spaced-out soundscapes and light rock instrumentation, hushed tones that match the delicacy of Far Caspian’s whispery vocal approach. It’s a sound unobtrusive and even a little whimsical; Far Caspian is careful to not get buried under the weight of his emotive songcraft. The Irish artist was originally slotted for SXSW 2020 before Covid turned up, so look for a revue of Ways To Get Out and hopefully offerings of what’s next for this softly effective artist. (Kevin McStravick)

2020 Review: Performing indie rock with a sense of delicacy and levity, Far Caspian lightly grooves and wafts across his 2019 EP The Heights and recent follow-up single “July”. Breezy new wave melodies make up much of Far Caspian’s music, but it’s softened with an echoing touch, turning pop hooks to something more natural and less intrusive than its influences. A song like “Conversations” is catchy but still feels like it’s caught in a dream. “Astoria” acts in a similar way - turn up the pace and it would be all hooks and handclaps, but instead Far Caspian turn the track into a distanced reflection on whispered air.