Fathom Lane celebrate their new release In The Driftless at Icehouse

Last updated on August 10th, 2023 at 06:16 pm

Months back Michael Ferrier (of Fathom Lane) spoke my love language by sharing his newest album In The Driftless in vinyl format to me. Over the months between then and last night, it’s spun on my turntable from start to finish many times.

Fathom Lane’s cinematic blend of folk-rock and country twinge displays Michaels songwriting chops with a solid cast of support around him. The now fourth release from Fathom Lane builds on the sound and arc of relationships.

Fast forward to the Icehouse last night when Fathom Lane finally celebrated the release of the new album and my ears got to indulge in the live version of the new songs. But before the accomplished band composed of Michael Ferrier on guitar/vocals, Ashleigh Stills on keys/vocals, Matt Patrick on guitar/vocals, Paul Boblett on bass, and Alex Young on drums played through the new release, we were treated to some older gems. 

“Jack Knife”, a song in which the cranky clicks, clacks, and scraps of guitar strings introduces an edgy rock that pushes down on the gas pedal. “Sugardown” also found its way into the evening, a sugary sweet country confection with a blast of three part harmonies. 

As a recording engineer in the past, the decision and placement of songs on an album is a well thought out decision by any band. There’s a journey that takes place in storytelling, allowing each song to be a piece in that puzzle. Hearing a band play through that order is extra special, as Fathom Lane shifted into “How It Begins.”

The catchiest song on the album, “Surviving,” came next, with a perfect progression of instrumentation in the build up. Ashleigh’s vocals are silky smooth and compliment Michael’s, while drums and keys trickle in to guide the listener through. Pair the song with the beautiful music video of the track, and it’s bound to worm into your daily playlist. 

In The Driftless features two well chosen covers. The performance of Mary Cutrufello’s “Sad Songs and Waltzes Revisited” was a delight hearing Michael’s voice grunge into the spirit of the song. While Tom Petty’s “You and Me” close out the album with a ray of hope in a story about two people digging in to find a way to make it work. 

Centered in the set was “Lauralee,” the heart of the new release and dreamy ethereal love ballad. The soft brushes from Alex Young and patient bass of Paul Boblett laid a foundation for the acoustic guitar to paddle the song through the hopeful waters. 

“Eye Oh Way,” revealed as how Michael’s grandma would pronounce Iowa, came next. As my favorite song on the album, hearing Fathom Lane recreate this track feels like opening a roadmap to a complex situation. As a multi-state mover myself, originating from the corn state and dealing with past relationships, it’s instantly relatable. 

Fathom Lane is storied in visuals that elevate the lyrics and direction of each song. Their YouTube channel features four of the new songs fleshed out with a visual backdrop.

Catching them live is another layer of delight, as songs like “The Lookout” shine with the guitar parts of Matt Patrick and sheen of Ashleigh Still. Keep an eye out for the next chance to see this band perform and spin my love language (vinyl) in the meantime.