Portland-based band Far Lands release their sophomore album There Be Monsters via Get Loud Recordings...

There Be Monsters is an indie album with a lot going for it. Be warned though, this is not an album you'll enjoy from the first play through. It actually took me half a dozen listens before I managed to soak up its benefits.

There are a few instances of quickly-tossed-off filler material ('Gretchen' for example feels like a quickly improvised piece that doesn't really go anywhere) but on the whole these songs are well paced and structured.

While not an essential buy, it should prove an interesting diversion for a few months. However it's unlikely you'll be digging this out months or years from now.

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Nick Smithson