So Far Gone

The song "So Far Gone" from The Sheepdogs' album Outta Sight is a standout track that captures the band's raw, retro-rock energy, infused with a J.J. Cale-inspired slow burn. According to an interview with Psychedelic Baby Magazine, frontman Ewan Currie described the songwriting process for the album, noting that tracks like "So Far Gone" often start as simple demos in his head, sometimes just a riff and vocals, before being fleshed out with the band. This particular song was recorded with a vintage Rhythm Ace drum machine and fuzzy electric guitars plugged straight into the console, giving it a distinctive, gritty texture. The band aimed for a "get in the room and play" mentality, landing most of the album’s final tracks within three or four takes, which lends "So Far Gone" its effortless, live feel. A Facebook post by the band on April 7, 2022, shared a sneak peek of the song, generating buzz among fans with 1.2K views and comments praising its laid-back vibe. Reviewers, such as those at The Spill Magazine, highlighted the song’s muted verses juxtaposed with an explosive chorus, calling it the album’s “carefree, wispy centrepiece.”

The creation of "So Far Gone" was deeply tied to the band’s experience during the pandemic. As Currie explained in a Grateful Web article, the inability to tour forced The Sheepdogs to channel their frustrations into music, resulting in what he called a “non-bummer” rock record. The song’s relaxed groove and nostalgic sound reflect the band’s goal to uplift listeners during tough times, with Currie stating, “Rock ‘n’ Roll is about cheering us up. Simple as that.” The track also draws comparisons to classic acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Pink Floyd, thanks to its guitar solos and Currie’s soulful croon, as noted in a review by The Spill Magazine. Fans on Instagram echoed this sentiment, with comments on the song’s visualizer post praising its “southern rock soul” and “chill vibes,” making it a favorite for road trips and late-night spins by Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO.

The Sheepdogs formed in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, in 2004, when Ewan Currie, Ryan Gullen, Sam Corbett, and later Jimmy Bowskill and Shamus Currie came together with a shared love for classic rock, blues, and roots music. As detailed in a 2011 Rolling Stone article, the band’s early days were marked by relentless gigging across Canada, playing everywhere from dive bars to hot dog stands, often in debt and driving a barely roadworthy car. Their big break came unexpectedly in 2011 when a Canadian music manager submitted their demo to a North American battle of the bands, landing them a spot in a competition they didn’t even know they’d entered. After over 1.5 million votes and performances at Bonnaroo and on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, they became the first unsigned band to grace the cover of Rolling Stone and secured a deal with Atlantic Records. Their sound, described as a blend of Allman Brothers’ guitar harmonies and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s vocal interplay, was honed through years of live shows and a commitment to playing the music they loved, regardless of trends.

The band’s journey from small-town Canada to international stages was fueled by their DIY ethos and passion for 70s-inspired rock. Ewan Currie, in a Psychedelic Baby Magazine interview, reflected on starting the band at 19, driven by influences like Creedence Clearwater Revival, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones. This dedication to authenticity has resonated with fans, who connect through platforms like the The Sheepdogs Fan Club on Facebook, where members share concert photos, discuss favorite tracks like "So Far Gone," and organize meetups for tour dates. The band maintains an active presence on social media, engaging with their audience via Facebook, Instagram, and X, where they post tour updates, behind-the-scenes content, and teasers for new music. Their official website, thesheepdogs.com, serves as a hub for tour schedules, merch, and news, keeping Zoo Freaks worldwide in the loop for the next vinyl spin at THE ZOO.