When I first became aware of musical duo Paul Knowles and Nicole Sarto, they were fronting a band, Mars Arizona, centered on a mythical place in the Southwest. They soon expanded their horizons and became New American Farmers, likewise expanding their musical style. They’ve broadened further, leaning more to rock than anything twangy, and have become New Earth Farmers. Their first full length album dropped recently, The Good Ones Got Away. (see one of their video premieres here)
Lyrically, much of the record explores human-kind’s treatment of each other, from the ballad My Dog God to The Universe is Hiding. That particular piece contains the titular name in one of the verses, where there’s hope for better otherworldly beings. Judgement Day is a brighter number equating the love of music to salvation. Less encouraging, but admirably pierced with screaming guitar solos, is The Garden, and its vision of a dystopian Garden of Eden. Another highlight is a pounding cover of Karl Wallinger’s (World Party) Waiting Such A Long, Long Time.
The Good Ones Got Away was recorded shortly after lockdown was lifted, and the joy of that time is clearly reflected in the album. So too, however, is the trepidation of the period and reflection on how we see ourselves and others. Between the deepness of the lyrics and the heights of the sonic rock and roll, New Earth Farmers have a 20-years-in-the-making debut with something for just about everyone.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.