Track Review: Plus One To Heaven // Ian McFarland
Embracing music from an early age, singer-songwriter Ian McFarland has been writing songs before the age of 10, performing in bands from age 13, and now pursuing a musical career in his late 20s. Working in different areas of the music industry, including musical theatre and a self-started label, Ian certainly has a passion for the business. Now, we take a look at his solo career where he melds elements of old-school funk with contemporary pop and pop-rock.
Featured on Music for the Misfits, Rock Era Magazine, Ear To The Ground, Indie Music Reviews and Two Story Melody (to name a few), the US-based artist has blasted onto the blogosphere. Yet, he also reaches international audiences with his placements on playlists and online radio airtime, such as iHeart Radio. So, it is not only Nexus Music Blog that sings his praises – I guess that just gave away that this review is positive.
Taken off his sophomore album Almost There, the opening track ‘Plus One To Heaven’ is a rock meets jangle-pop single with tinges of underlying funk. Simplistic in its arrangement, ‘Plus One To Heaven’ is elegantly textured and layered highlighting each instrument. The thing is, while the guitars and drums have prominence, it all comes together as an exquisite whole. What I really enjoy about the track is not its toe-tapping quality or flowing arrangement, but the juxtaposition of a mellow melody with poignant lyrics.
Intimate and intense with storytelling lyricism, ‘Plus One To Heaven’ is laidback but melancholic. Simple but complex. Insightful but innocent. Ian shares that the song “…follows a narrative of a person who has lost control of their life and is asking someone who has it together to help them through this” – I’m sure many people can relate to this in one way or another. It is this relevance that connects with listeners on a deeper level.
Enchanting and intoxicating, Ian McFarland has an anthemic song on his hands. Reviving the old-school rock and roll sounds in contemporary society, Ian could be considered a revolutionary in his field. I can’t wait to see what else he has up his sleeve.