The Favors, composed of singer-songwriters FINNEAS and Ashe alongside drummer David Marinelli and guitarist Ricky Gourmet, released its debut album, “The Dream,” on Sept. 19. The band announced the album June 2 and quickly built excitement and attraction.
The announcement used the duo’s album cover, with Ashe and FINNEAS leaning on each other in a sepia-toned environment, looking in opposite directions. One Instagram user pointed out the “Fleetwood Mac vibes” it showcases.
The album contains 12 songs with a total run-time of 38 minutes. Three of the album's tracks were released as singles before the album’s official date: “The Little Mess You Made,” “The Hudson” and “Times Square Jesus.”
Each of the 12 songs contains a unique flair. “Times Square Jesus” is a melodic reflection set in New York, and “Restless Little Heart” takes listeners on a journey of quiet romance, despite being the album’s shortest track at 55 seconds.
Each of the songs sounds like a conversation between both singers, but neither overtake the other. Stories are being told through every word, especially in “David’s Brother,” which is both upbeat and heartbreaking at the same time.
Track 11, “Someday I’ll Be Back In Hollywood” includes vocals from Marinelli. The song has much more of a rock theme compared to the rest of the songs on the album, which further proves the “no-rules” focus on this album, as posted in the band’s artist description on Spotify.
The Favors’ YouTube channel includes behind-the-scenes footage of the album’s creation and live performances.
The band's third music video was also released Sept. 19. The official music video for “David’s Brother” starts at a bar where someone’s birthday is being celebrated as both Ashe and FINNEAS sing. There is a united color palette of dark and colorful lights, but both Ashe and FINNEAS stand out.
Every move throughout the video seems choreographed, despite not including dancing, including a patron accidentally throwing a dart into someone's burger. Although there is conflict, the two end up lip syncing the song together.
Ashe and FINNEAS set up a band, and end up performing the song to the rest of the bar in some clips. Other scenes include the two interacting with other people in the bar partying.
There is already merchandise for the album. The collection includes a “Lake George” keychain for $12, a “Restless Little Heart” sweatshirt for $75 and a bandana with monogram logo styled print for $15.
Both artists have recently released their own solo projects. Ashe, who cancelled a tour due to mental health back in 2023, reintroduced herself to the music industry with her album, “Willson,” in Sept. 2024. She was also an opener for Gracie Abrams’ “The Secret of Us” tour, sang with Suki Waterhouse and opened for Kelsea Ballerini’s first tour.
FINNEAS released his third studio album, “For Cryin’ Out Loud!” in 2024. Along with songwriting, FINNEAS produces music as well, including Ashe’s “Moral of the Story” and Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?”.
“The Dream” is not the first time these two have worked together. Their first collaboration was in 2021, with the duet “Till Forever Falls Apart,” which was both released as a single and in Ashe’s album, “Ashlyn.”
Although there is not a full tour announced, there are still chances to see the band live. The Favors have two upcoming shows, Oct. 1 and Oct. 4.
Song Ratings:
Restless Little Heart - 7/10
The Dream - 8.5/10
Moonshine - 8/10
The Little Mess You Made - 9/10
The Hudson - 8.5/10
Ordinary People - 6.5/10
Necessary Evils - 8/10
Time Square Jesus - 9.5/10
David’s Brother - 9/10
Lake George - 7.5/10
Someday I’ll Be Back In Hollywood - 8/10
Home Sweet Home - 7/10
Overall Rating - 8/10
