As it currently stands, most people who are familiar with The Figs likely know the duo from their song with Forrest Frank, "LEMONADE." "LEMONADE" does not give an overly accurate representation of The Figs, however, and has the feel of a Forrest Frank song through and through. Luckily, they have released some fine content of their own over the past few years, showcasing their knack for writing quality lyrics and catchy tunes. With their sophomore album, How Did We Get Here?, Bailey Gillen and Micah Yoder expand their discography and follow up their initial full length project from almost two years ago.

Having spent some time with their debut, the nicely titled The Figs Present: The Figs, I came in with a general idea of what to expect for the band's sound on this album, but the first two tracks start the record in a beautifully unpredictable way. Those who have not yet heard "Expectations" and "Fanfare in Db" would do well to listen to at least those tracks before reading the rest of the review because they are much better enjoyed when their surprise is not spoiled prior to listening. "Expectations," a relaxed 56-second prelude, makes it clear that Gillen and Yonder have a fantastic sense of humor. Lines like "We're glad you made it / We couldn't start 'til you were here," "Micah might be good at banjo by album three," and "Jesus loves you / And so do we" suggest that these are two guys who love to have a good time and would be fun to hang out with on a random afternoon. Instead of going into the true opening track, those expectations are shattered with another short track, an instrumental featuring a roaring electric guitar solo by Logan Rash. Although it comes as a bit of a surprise, this does better prepare the listener for the fact that this folk album will not forgo some splashes of rock throughout the runtime. Though an atypical way to start an album, The Figs reward those who listen to How Did We Get Here? in its intended album format, instead of treating it like a playlist where a few songs are saved and others left behind.

The remaining full nine tracks begin with "Dynamite," which leans into that rock aspect right away. Exploding with energy in a way that one would struggle not to tap their foot along to, "Dynamite" gives a taste of The Figs at their best. Only once in a long while does a song end and I find myself saying "wow" out loud afterward, but the beyond catchy tune brings that out and impresses in a significant way. "Out of the Blue," one of the pre-release singles, keeps the momentum going and features a guest appearance from the folk band pocket berries. Their vocalist, Laney Knoop, sounds great on her own, but her voice goes even better with Gillen's, and the duet becomes a standout track on the record. The collaboration explores how we often have moments of coming to discover what it seems like we should have found out long ago: "Out of the blue and out of my timing / I think I'm finding out things I should have known / What could I do? / You hit like lightning / And I ain't hiding now, got some miles to go." The music slows down on "Lone Survivor," a song which takes a bare bones approach with just acoustic guitar and vocals, but the change of pace provides a breather from the energetic start to the album. The track concludes with a fantastic acoustic guitar instrumental from Gillen that this listener would even enjoy if it were a song of its own.

Throughout the record, The Figs take a more figurative approach with their lyrics, frequently pulling in symbolism and cultural references. Whether they mention the pretty song of a canary bird or sing about John Henry to highlight how something that may seem like a visible failure could be an underlying success, The Figs prefer to paint a picture and let the listener take it in as opposed to using self-explanatory language. Some of these tracks may require more intentional listening as a result, but those willing to press into the lyrics will walk away with a greater appreciation of what the band put into this album. Such images also help the project feel fresh and avoid common clichés to which Christian music often falls prey. Among all of the places The Figs go this route, "Outlaw" exemplifies it best of any song on the record. From mentions of Jesse James to Doc Holliday, The Figs give a narrative about someone who has gone down the wrong path in life and come to a key realization: "Lord, I know only you can make a way / Out of the outlaw." Of the many analogies that are used to depict running away from God, The Figs choose one that is not as overused as many of the alternatives. The inclusion of saxophone provides "Outlaw" with a unique flavor as well, a small touch that does a lot to elevate the song.

As great as How Did We Get Here? is -- nearly flawless from "Expectations" to "Canary Bird" -- the final two tracks come as the least musically memorable of the bunch. "Time or Day" at least intentionally ends the record with some particularly thought-provoking lyrics. The closer serves as a plea to remember the imminent return of Christ, and not to hold onto anything or anyone that would detract from the Christian walk. The Figs warn of how even good intentions can go sideways if one loses focus: "Started building holy mountains / And got so far along / That we never even noticed / We were building Babylon." Having this message at the close works well and allows the listener to reflect and linger on this idea, rather than jumping into another song; its position in the album's order strengthens the impact of the track.

While The Figs impressed with their debut album, How Did We Get Here? shows that the quality of their first record was not a mere fluke. What Gillen and Yonder have put together in this release is one of the most fun-to-listen-to and deep Christian folk albums that this reviewer has heard in the last few years, and they deserve much greater respect for their craft than they seem to be receiving at the moment. Of all that a reviewer could write about these tracks, at some point the reader would do better to just turn on the album and experience it rather than scroll through more commentary on it. Thus, now is the time. Don't let "LEMONADE" be your only reference point for The Figs; go check out some fantastic songwriting on what is, at a minimum, one of the strongest albums of the year.

- Review date: 5/29/26, written by Noah Schmidt of Jesusfreakhideout.com

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 Record Label: None
 Album length: 11 tracks: 42 minutes, 14 seconds
 Street Date: May 22, 2026
 Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

1. Expectations (0:57)
2. Fanfare in Db (0:31)
3. Dynamite (4:29)
4. Out of the Blue (feat. pocket berries) (4:06)
5. Lone Survivor (3:41)
6. Outlaw (5:19)
7. John Henry (4:35)
8. Cumberland Gap (4:08)
9. Canary Bird (5:31)
10. Thank You Now (3:50)
11. Time or Day (5:07)

 

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