THE LONELY FOREST E.P. (Trans)
When the first song on an EP is titled Turn Off This Song And Go Outside, it’s hard to resist the temptation to call the band’s bluff: “Alright, you bunch of wankers, I have better things to do with my time to listen to your ironic hipster bullshit anyway!”
But that would be an awful pity if you did. Not only is the first track on The Lonely Forest’s self-titled EP earnestly devoid of irony, it’s also gorgeously melodic and catchy, with a chorus hook that ensures you’ll never be able to turn off the song in your head.
The Anacortes, Washington four-man outfit have put together a fine array of songs here, never mind that there are only about three proper songs in this five-track EP: one is shorter than a minute and the other an acoustic version of Turn Off This Song.
In the grand tradition of indie emo bands like Death Cab For Cutie, the songs are crafted around plaintive vocals and fragile melodies. (NB. The band is signed to Chris Walla’s label and Walla is producing the band’s debut album, Arrows – KM)
Simple, effective arrangements are the order of the day: check out the slow-marching Live There, with its extended, hypnotic outro, or the radio-friendly, anthemic Let It Go. If you’re looking for ear candy with just about enough indie cred to prevent a toothache, The Lonely Forest is worth a listen.
(Samuel C Wee)