Farewell Old Friends is Bleach’s recorded swansong, just before the band calls it a career and sails off into the sunset. To support this seaworthy theme, the CD booklet is illustrated by a tall sailing ship, pictured on what looks like a weathered old map. Fortunately, however, the band doesn’t sound weathered here at all. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but Bleach nevertheless comes off as if it’s truly enjoyed its musical journey. Styles range from the Weezer-y opener, “Write It Down,” to the piano ballad “Gonna Take Some Time.” The most striking cut of all, however, is “Sufficient,” which weighs in at the sufficiently long length of over 10 minutes. It rolls with a worshipful tone to it, as does “Good As Gold,” which praises the things in life that truly matter. Along with its worshipful expressions, this disc also includes a few brief moments of angst. There’s noticeable harshness, for instance, in the lyric: “If it makes you happy / That’s fine,” during the song “Take It By The Hand.” But for the most part, this is a work filled with reflective and calm seas. Bleach never achieved the kind of commercial success it truly deserved. But as they say, it’s not how you start but how you finish. And with “Farewell Old Friends,” this fine band has bid listeners a fond goodbye.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Jonathan AvantsIt's been several months since Bleach officially called it quits, but the band promised fans they'd deliver one last record--a final goodbye, so to speak--but wouldn't tour in support of the record. Months pass, and not much seems to take place in the Bleach camp. But while all seems relatively quiet on the Bleach front, the band is actually working hard in the studio. A release date is finally…The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Kevin MathewsThe head spins and the heart swoons. Embracing and cross-hatching Britpop and Emo finds Bleach at a time and place that transcends both above-mentioned genres to deliver a collection of songs that touches the soul and satisfies the rock scholar within us. And of course, it is in the quieter moments where true strength is displayed as on the string-laden ballads, "Gonna Take Some Time," and…The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Len NashOnce again, it is a farewell and goodbye for the Bleach guys. Last time yielded a farewell tour, but one lurking question popped up at that time, "why no new content on a CD?". Well.... surprise, surprise, Bleach has a new CD! Farewell Old Friends is a heartfelt farewell to fans and friends of Bleach alike. Produced by Oran Thornton this CD feels like Bleach had a comfortable, relaxing, and fun…Similar sounding releases
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