They say never to judge a book (or in this case, album,) buy it’s cover…but Forests may be one of the few exceptions to the rule. The beautiful chaos displayed on the Taiwan-based trio’s new album, “No Fun,” describes the band’s sound to a tee. Kicking off with “Death Mask,” Forests counts down to a blend of low-fi and surf rock, growling out, “into the shrine, you think that it’s all yours, you swine…losing your time for nothing but the chore…” The track is followed by “Pleasure Science,” a track describing someone who is constantly scattered trying to find who they really are. “He’s a vicar,” they moan, “a manic wisher, fever tracking his finds…”
The surprisingly steady, slightly du-wop inspired “Dog Gone Flies” and the wacky, retro “Woo Woo Woo,” come next, before diving headfirst into the slightly-bluesy “They’re Calling You.” “They’re Calling You” has a more serious, nearly spoken-word vocal style that blends into scattered harmonies with the band’s other members, and is also heard on the next track, “Ego Bender.” Next up is “Lovey,” a 50’s-sounding track that will have you feeling nostalgic for days to come, before blasting into “Beard War,” which embraces a more noise-rock sound. “Trippin’ Oaks” is one of Forests’ more melodic tunes, pairing steady guitar riffs soaked in a solid dose of fuzz. “Ju Want It” and “What’d You Say” keep with the heavy reverb feel, before wrapping up with “I Don’t Mind,” a simplistic, perfect closer to a turbulent 12 tracks. Well done, Forests…for once, we’re glad we judged something on appearances!
You can download “No Fun” for FREE on BandCamp here.
Track Listing:
- Death Mask
- Pleasure Science
- Dog Gone Flies
- Woo Woo Woo
- They’re Calling You
- Ego Bender
- Lovey
- Beard War
- Trippin’ Oaks
- Ju Want It
- What’d You Say
- I Don’t Mind
