It would have been quite a challenge for Kelly Jones (lead singer and sole songwriter of Stereophonics) Patty Lynn and Dwight Baker ( of The Wind and The Wave) to not create something beautiful when they decided to form a side project together.

Far From Saints are one of the most exciting new bands of 2023 (although four years in the making). Blending their individual talents and experiences and delving into an eclectic mix of genres, this album proves how wonderfully diverse they are.

Jones and Lynn’s vocals are the perfect musical marriage. They compliment each other so perfectly that you take more notice of their individual talent.

Each track is so well crafted sonically and lyrically that they all have the ability to be a single. An album that has no fillers, I can’t see myself skipping a track anytime soon. FFS themselves said that it’s an album to be listened to from start to finish and it is exactly that!

The order of track listing enables the album to flow swiftly from track to track in a somewhat story telling and cinematic way.

Far From Saints marks Kelly Jones’ first experience of co-writing as he was the sole songwriter for Stereophonics. The first track FFS wrote together was Screaming Hallelujah and is the first track off the album. Captivating from the intro with a toe-tappin’ beat, the beautiful guitar picking gives the song a Bluegrass feel whilst screaming folk, country and Americana throughout.

The song offers a message of acceptance and grace towards a loved one who is experiencing a difficult period of transition.

Faded Black Tattoo is a softer folk song with a dreamy melody. The detail of instrumentation is subtle yet perfect and gives so much depth to the song!

Take It Through The Night delivers ‘outlaw country’ sounding guitar riffs throughout that give the song a somewhat bewitching folky dark side! The track screams live music! Each instrument and vocal placed brings an atmospheric, festival vibe that is incredible in a live setting. Patty takes on lead vocals and delivers a strong, alluring tone that is instantly hypnotic.

Turn This Back Around is an epic tune. The strings make the track have a cinematic style to it. Every detail to the song has been smartly thought through creating a perfectly well crafted tune that is wonderfully memorable and addictive. The guitar riff is fabulous too!

Gonna Find What’s Killing Me has a more Stereophonics stamp to it but with a folk edge. Jones’ vocals truly stand out here. He has such a melodic and storytelling voice which makes this stunning ballad alluring and emotive. Lynn’s harmonies make the song more affective.

The Ride is a fast favourite for us. More of a country sound to it, the song holds an early Little Big Town style to it. The melody and vocals are so mesmerising with a wicked country-rock guitar riff and slick solo. Country fans should love this song. Another track that’s brilliant live. It won’t be long before a huge crowd sings the “ooh ohh” alongside the band!

We Won’t Get Out Alive is a breathtaking melodic country tune. Think Gloriana meets The Civil Wars. Like many of the songs it’s rather hypnotic. Patty Lynn has such a sweet tone in this song.

No Fool Like An Old Fool is almost like a lullaby melody wise! This is a song that you listen to every word on. Slow and steady, with a bluesy edge, it has a really addictive sound from the steel guitar and a fun whistle-along segment. It’s easily another favourite.

Let The Light Shine Over You – a ballad with an alternative folk sound, the sweet-sounding song is summery/outdoorsy and very refreshing.

Own It closes the album and closes it well. I can really hear Stereophonics on this track! It feels like the end of the album with this song if that makes sense? This is why I enjoy well thought out track listing orders as this song feel like a farewell.

Jones, Lynn and Baker really do bring a beautiful style and sound together! I have mentioned notation many times but I am one of those people who really pay attention to real and traditional instruments and this album more than delivers.

A real contender for our album of the year, this album has it all: Country, Folk, Bluegrass, Blues, Rock and more and is quite simply a masterpiece!

Out on June 16th, pre-order the album here.