Forest Glen's music is art. At least that's what it says on the website. Unfortunately aside from what could be considered to be a few pretentious comments about Forest Glen's talent, there's very little solid info about this Philadelphia based band. I'm presuming it's a band and not an individual. Perhaps they're attempting to create a Dylanesque myth about themselves?
Presumably they're doing a bit locally and looking to spread out regionally, this three track EP is an excellent introduction to FG's talents and whatever I think about the over the top sleeve notes, what counts is that they really cut it on the CD.
Blessed with a soulful voice and incredible guitar talents, Forest Glen create intense music to back poetic lyrics and wry observations. The driving percussive "Running In Circles" is a powerful plea for God to break into the madness of a life that is bogged down. Built on rhythmic guitar with a pile of phased vocals sweeping in and out of the mix to fine effect, here's a song that proves that even a limited budget can be overcome through sheer creativity and it seems that FG aren't short of a musical
idea or two.
"Fast For You" is a frantic love song that captures perfectly that moment where you find yourself infatuated with a new love. It's packed with coiled desire ready to be unleashed. Sheer poetry and again excellently delivered with Forest's guitar once again driving everything forwards.
The final song of the three, "One Day Closer," is a mellower affair. Again it has a romantic carefree feel where lovers create their own world in the face of adversity. A struggling musician only wants to sing and it works well. Lots of talent jammed into these three songs. Leaves me wondering what they'd do with some decent backing.
3.5 tocks
