Akron band Farline (lead vocalist Brandon Ray, guitarist/keyboard player Mike Wright, acoustic guitarist/vocalist Bryan Carmer, drummer Rich Snowden and bassist Jason Niewiadomy) first worked together in the early 1990s, with some members having relationships tracing back to high school. Together, they wrote more than 40 original songs before putting the project aside — temporarily, it turned out.
Now Farline has announced the release of their debut single, “Going Home,” available this week, mixed by three-time Grammy-winning engineer Tom Lorde-Alge, who has worked with the Rolling Stones, U2, Pink, Marilyn Manson and Peter Gabriel among others. They describe it as “blending anthemic, stadium-scale rock with emotionally driven songwriting,” claiming U2, Pink Floyd and Rush among their various influences. Written and produced by Wright, “Going Home” was written last year, an anomaly on the band’s upcoming album which features newly reimagined material from the band’s early years. That song serves as a bridge between the present and the past.
“It reflects who we’ve always been musically while still evolving,” says Wright. “It’s about realizing that home isn’t a place on a map, but being with the person you love — the road back to who matters most.”
The band’s story remained unfinished until 2025, when Wright uncovered a collection of original tapes while clearing out a basement. What stood out wasn’t the recordings’ lo-fi quality, but the authenticity captured within them. Reuniting the original creative relationships became central to the project. While Brandon joined the band later, his dynamic vocal range played a key role alongside Rich’s percussive style, Mike’s layered guitar work and vintage synth textures, and Bryan’s emotionally driven lyrics.
As new music rolls out throughout 2026, the band looks ahead to bringing these songs to audiences both on record and beyond.“I hope listeners feel the same emotion we felt when these songs were first coming together,” Wright says. “Forming Farline now was about finishing what we started.”
“Coming Home” is available on all major digital platforms. Learn more about the band here.