The Lonely Forest - The Lonely Forest EP
Record Label: Trans
Release Date: Sept. 14, 2010
Who?
The Lonely Forest is a band from Anacortes, WA and represent the first signing to Chris Walla's new label Trans. Walla produced, engineered and mixed this self-titled EP, which serves as a sneak peek for the bands new album, Arrows, which is due out in early 2011. The first single off the EP, "Live There," recently debuted on Stereogum and was named KEXP's Song of the Day.
How is it?
Fan-freaking-tastic. Legitimately, this may be the best new band of the year. In just four songs The Lonely Forest say and do far more than their peers. Opener "Turn Off This Song and Go Outside," rings and rattles with urgent guitars, crisp harmonics and a sense of polish and professionalism that hasn't been heard in quite some time.
The minute-long "Ramshackle House," is quiet and plaintive as vocalist John Van Deusen sings, "My heart is a ramshackle house where the shades have been drawn and all scenery is gone. Where is the sun?" The soon-to-be ubiquitous single "Live There," boasts ringing guitars, clear vocals and a circular movement that calls to mind early 90s REM. When Van Deusen sings "Nashvile, you're too much too safe. I don't want to live there, buy there or die there," there's a sense of palpability iin every utterance that seems too good to be true.
As an added bonus, an acoustic version of "Turn Off This Song And Go Outside," appears at the end and sure enough Van Deusen's vocals are much more developed, richer and nothing short of stunning. It feels hyperbolic to call a band perfect, but in just four short songs, The Lonely Forest certainly make the statement that much more believable.
people should be listening to them. i am a bit bias because I am a local, but they are an amazing band and deserve everything they have. I have been fortunate enough to see them live a few times and that are musically tight and have an excellent vibe. good luck guys, can't wait for the album.
Great review, I was so excited for these guys when they got signed by Walla and even Im even more so now that they're getting more recognition. Seattle's best kept secret won't be a secret much longer. :)
i just saw these guys with Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin...... i've never been so impressed with an opener. downloaded the CD whne i got home, can't stop listening. this is great!
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