The Far West’s ‘Everything We Thought We Wanted’: A Triumph Forged in Fire
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
More than just a record, The Far West’s third album, Everything We Thought We Wanted, is a defiant act of survival. Arriving nearly a decade after their last release and after a series of staggering setbacks that threatened to derail it entirely, the album is a testament to perseverance and the enduring power of creation. It’s a sonic document of a band refusing to be silenced, and the result is a work that feels as raw and unflinching as the journey that produced it.
From the start, the album feels intensely personal, infused with the weight of personal milestones and professional heartache. The band navigated lost masters, the global shutdown of a pandemic, and most dramatically, a wildfire that came within inches of incinerating the final recordings. This grueling process didn’t just delay the album; it shaped it. Each track carries a lived-in authenticity that can only come from such a hard-fought battle. The production is layered and rich, yet it never smooths over the grit. Instead, it amplifies the emotional resonance, letting the cracks and scars in the music shine through as a source of strength.
Musically, The Far West delivers on the promise of their signature sound while pushing into new, more expansive territory. The album is a masterful blend of influences, channeling the rebellious spirit of L.A. punk, the storytelling heart of classic country, and the deep, soulful grooves of Muscle Shoals. The inclusion of soulful horns adds a new dimension, giving the tracks a full-bodied warmth and a powerful swagger. This dynamic is best exemplified by the standout guest appearance from guitar legend Dave Alvin, whose blistering, gut-punching solo elevates one of the album’s most powerful moments, reminding listeners of the band’s deep roots in unvarnished American music.
Ultimately, Everything We Thought We Wanted is the kind of record that grabs you by the heart and makes you want to move. It’s the sound of heartbreak you can dance to—a paradoxical but deeply satisfying experience. The Far West’s songwriting is deeply human, exploring loss, reflection, and finding resilience in the face of despair. They aren’t just telling stories; they’re building a world, and inviting you into it. For a band that almost didn’t make it back, The Far West has returned with their most powerful and essential statement yet. The wait was worth it.