No less a source than Pitchfork media, bastion of the elite music snobs (which many of us are to some extent), raved about The Forms’ debut CD Icarus.
Armed with the magic of hype, the band went into the studio again with famed producer Steve Albini (Nirvana) to record their self-titled CD The Forms. The result is an interesting sonic detour and at only 30 minutes, devoid of filler.
Lead-off track, “Knowledge in Hand” is a strong tune with a memorable hook, as is the third track, “Redgun.”
The final track ‘Getting It Back” is another good selection. There’s a spacious feel to the music, yet the rhythm section is tightly constrained, giving a nice offset to the churning guitar work. The vocal mix is sometimes frustratingly hard to hear. But that’s Albini’s style. And it fits what the band is trying to do.
Full of strong material, the CD sits in a unique place, kind of like an ambient track looping through a continuous playback. The songs are all mid-tempo with little change in sound from one to another. Some even approach electronica, without any keyboards; “White Dog” starts off like a Boards of Canada song- ethereal, pastoral, and otherworldly. Here the mix of low vocals, looping drums, and chiming guitars really fall into place. The shifting song structure propels the song at a languid pace through three minutes of a threadbare, yet absorbing melody.
This seamless blending of the songs might be a deal breaker for some. Repeated listens, though, peel away some of the melancholy drollness and reveal more of intricate marriage of guitar, bass, and drums. This may be one of those collections of songs I won’t fully appreciate until six months from now.
You can’t casually listen; there’s some work involved here. And it’s worth it. The Forms is one of the most intriguing pieces of music you’ll hear this year.
Check out their website for band information and where to get the CD: http://www.threespheres.com/forms/
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