When the songwriting is spot on, I will listen to just about any genre of music, to include sub-genre outputs that may go against the grain of traditional boundaries. Even for Dungeon Synth, there are some sub-genres that I enjoy more than others but I will always give anything a chance regardless. That being said, if there is a definitive skill set in the composition department and arrangements are done in an appealing taste, I’m up for anything. That definitely holds true for Fflewddur and their riveting album, ‘Farther Down We Go’. Although some of the instrumentation is a bit more whimsical than my normal taste for Dungeon Synth, these songs are crafted with such meticulous detail and an irresistible amounts of melody that I can’t help but fall victim to the addictive style that shines on these seven light-hearted tracks.
Album opener, “There’s Nothing In This Cave Worth Dying For” is quite an impressive beginning to this adaptable album as it exposes several layers of genre-defying sounds that are intricately woven to produce an initial audial stimulating experience set to take place over the next twenty six minutes. “Caution To The Wind” begins with the guns a blazing as massive synth effects expose a grandiose scenery of Medieval savagery. However, not even twenty seconds in, a beautiful 8-but melody begins to play and changes the course of this track. As layers of synths and orchestrations begin to make their presence felt, it’s obvious how imposing this song intends to become and the wonderful melodies continue to impress until the end. Next up is the title track, “Farther Down We Go” and it’s as daring and adventurous as the previous tracks but in a different way. The effects are more subdued and haunting and the rhythmic beat in the background will have the listener nodding their head with awe and admiration for the songwriting skills on display. “A Fire For Warmth” begins with, well, a crackling fire field recording and it’s soon joined by several layers of compressed synth effects. The background melody and lead keys play off of each other so well, and the lingering drone in the near distance holds everything together perfectly. “A Discovery Of Gnomes” is a jubilant and whimsical piece that borders the realm of Comfy Synth. However, the bombastic drum beat provides a darker essence than usual for a melody of this nature. Ultimate, it all works together very well for a short but entertaining track. “The Elders Speak Of Treasure” contains inaudible vocal samples (or probably a distorted synth effect) that sets an eerie scene and then follows it up with grim keyboard harmonies and soothing synth leads that set a melancholic mood. The final track is the breathtaking, “Reaving The Gnomic Keep”. Featuring fast-paced percussive elements and quirky 8-bit leads, this eccentric track pretty much sums up the musical genius of the previous tracks in just under four minutes. This one will have you reminiscing fantasy movies of the 80’s or leave you wanting to play dungeon crawlers games from yesteryear. If that’s the case, then mission accomplished for Fflewddur.
‘Farther Down We Go’ is such a charming and enjoyable album. Delightful melodies and compelling songwriting are a predominant factor for the duration of this twenty six minute long amusing journey, which is full of twists and turns along the way. If you enjoy your Dungeon Synth with a sense of easement and calm demeanor, look no further than Fflewddur’s ‘Farther Down We Go’. Please support this fantastic artist and download the album from the link below.
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