From the onset of the modest rhythmic mayhem of Larry Karpenko’s ‘Fare Thee Well’ it was easy to hear that Karpenko has crafted a finely tuned piece of indie pop that’s sweetly colored with ambience and playfulness.
A singer and songwriter based in Loma Linda, California, Larry Karpenko’s roots in Christian and worship music have paved the way for him to be able to craft emotive and heartwarming harmonies wrapped in tasteful melodies, all of which are readily available on his latest single ‘Fare Thee Well’. The nearly lyricless ballad is an ode to young love found then lost, a moving piece that mostly features its 3-word title for lyrics, with minimal interjections to deepen the message.
Musically, the straightforward song features a syncopated rhythm that keeps things fresh and on edge, while the syrupy sweet chords churn beneath in mostly familiar movements that are at once accessible and deeply stirring. The litany of playful percussion clicks and clacks add a sense of youthful unpredictability to the mix. The results are musical and touching atmospheres that deliver the melancholic message easily, draped in all the joyful vividness that comes with those fleeting teenage romances we’ve all once had.
‘Fare Thee Well’ is an arresting piece of indie pop that is gorgeously written and lovingly produced. Sounds fantastic, Larry Karpenko effortlessly took me back to my teenage years on a bittersweet and nostalgic journey.