When you first read titles such as "Candy Necklace Kind of Love," "Lime Velvet Love Seat," "Butter Scotch Boy," "Tangerine Drops," "Silver Syrup" and "Pastel Straws," you may think you're perusing the menu at the local Dairy Queen instead of looking at the cover of the latest Morella's Forest album. And yes, you may be tempted, as I was at first glance, to ask yourself "what the heck does this song have to do with butterscotch?" And, like myself, lost in the search for obvious connections, you'd miss some great music and clever lyrical points. In less than two years, MF has made incredible strides as a touring and recording band. The group has begun to perfect its sophisticated noise approach, juxtaposing the soothing voice of singer/lyricist Sydney with the rhythm spring of Nathan and the guitar attack of Shawn & Sean. Lest you get lost in some of the almost too cute titles, Sydney does provide some ideas to chew on beneath the candy-coated marquee. "Glitter" finds her affirming that "Now I know how I feel/What is false and what is real/I thought I knew before/but you're in the picture now;" "Pastel Straws" (perhaps referring to the last straw?) contains the interesting observation that "Trouble has a way of finding out where you live." "Silver Syrup" finds the singer taking a plunge which could easily be interpreted as making a commitment to Christ ("I opened my eyes when I fell off the cliff"); likewise, "Gate Called Beautiful" carries a similar sentiment ("Finding such a gift was not done on my own"). Bright melodies peppered with distorted guitars and inventive lyrics make Ultraphonic Hiss an inviting confection.
Other coverage for this album
Garlic Press #4Reviewed by scottMorella's Forest is able to express themselves musically more clearly on this release. A noisy indie rock onslaught in the vein of Brainiac or even Jawbox, a couple of their more famous influences. A producer of the Flaming Lips helped craft this record. A short 30 minute offering that features Sidney's soft girlish vocals in a more understandable level. Guitars have more melody and depth, but…