In Remembrance: Arrah And The Ferns
Arrah And The Ferns is quirky folk-pop that left us way too soon.
Everyone, I have something to get off my chest. I’ve been holding out on you. Yes – it’s true, I’ve kept this one up my sleeve for way too long, and you deserve to know. I listen to this band at least once every week or so, and for good reason. Arrah And The Ferns is possibly the greatest band of their kind. I say “their kind,” because I honestly don’t know how I’d classify them, they possess a style all their own.
The quirky trio started in Muncie, Indiana and just sparkled with that good ol’ midwestern folk know-how. Arrah Fisher’s adorable vocals and playful Wurlitzer is the main component to their universally lovable sound. The band also featured Carl Stovner on a bluesy guitar although for many of the songs he switches to an instrument called the banjolin (I hadn’t ever heard of it either). Then there is Dave Segedy, who keeps track of all things percussion - including drums, bells and children’s toys. He also displays surprising virtuosity at playing two recorders simultaneously. It should also be noted that Joey Patrick was added as the band’s bassist in 2007, although he doesn’t appear on any of the band’s released material.
You’re right – that is a lot of instruments for just three people, so I should probably explain a bit further. Arrah And The Ferns has two different sounds, their electric lineup and an acoustic lineup, both of which are equally awesome. Usually the first part of their live set includes Arrah on Wurlitzer, accompanied by electric guitar and drums. Then halfway through they’ll get a little more personal and bring out the acoustic guitar, banjolin and bells.
This far in, judging by my unsurpassed knowledge of their intricate lineup, you may have guessed it – yes, I’ve seen them live, and not just once. It has been my pleasure to see Arrah And The Ferns several times throughout their all too short lifetime. Each time was a great experience. Their music is an instant pick up, and appropriate almost anytime.
Sadly, they only released a single album, Evan Is A Vegan, on Standard Recording Company in 2006. But what an album it is! From the first tracks “Pre-Preteens” and “Preteens,” which are laced with the sounds of children’s toys played over a jovial Wurlitzer and cutesy vocals from both Arrah and Carl, to the more somber “Southern Comfort,” which deals with the inevitability of death and loss, there’s a song for every mood on this album. They did have release one other song not available on Evan Is A Vegan, and that song is “Merry Christmas Not Xmas” which appeared on the Standard Recording Company compilation A Very Standard Christmas.
To everyone’s surprise, apparently including themselves, Arrah And The Ferns decided to break up in early 2008 after a van crippling car wreck and Dave’s departure from the band. Arrah posted a heartfelt open letter about their decision to disband, as well as her regret that they would be indefinitely postponing the release of their un-named sophomore album on the band’s myspace shortly after the decision took place.
Since the demise of Arrah And The Ferns, its members have been keeping busy. Dave has his hands full being a member of both They Young Native and Prayer Breakfast, as well as continuing his longtime side-project, Whoa Bro Awesome. Carl became involved with the band Council, Idaho. Joey, the aforementioned bassist, has a project called See Orange. Which leaves us only with Arrah, who has since moved to Philadelphia and continues with her side-project, Woodlands.
Posted by Andrew Scott on Aug 10, 2009 @ 12:00 am