Forest - Caramel Arms

  by Fiona Hutchings

published: 31 / 10 / 2013

Label: Indelabel
Format: CDS

intro

Fantastic second EP from distorted Cambridge-based alternative rockers, Forest

Forest singer and guitarist Henry Barraclough describes the band's latest offering as "less scuzzy" than their last EP, 'Sweetcure'. He continues, "but it sort of offers more in terms of the overall emotional effect of each song. It has more colours in it." Forest are five 18 year olds. Alongside Barraclough also on vocal and guitars are Hugo Meredith Hardy and Peter Liddiard. Jack Andrews on bass and Elliot Termote on drums complete the line up. 'Coaster' bursts from the speakers, all so slightly off kilter and raw. It has the power of punk guitar riff driven rock and the whole thing sounds like it is coated in a layer of filth. Distortion a plenty here and no sense of polished production. It isn't accidental, Barraclough says it is all deliberate. "It's a false idea that every song 'should' be crystal clear. That's just one idea on how to create a mood. I remember George Martin, the Beatles producer saying that you really don't have to try and replicate the real life sound of what you are recording; you sort of paint a new picture that is more evocative...in the same way impressionist or abstract art can be more powerful than a perfect piece of fine art that looks just like a photo. I hope the pendulum swings back soon, otherwise everything might become soullessly perfect." I have a great deal of respect for this approach. While '99' doesn't grab me particularly, 'Warm Tyres' is a slow and almost trippy song that invokes images of 'Strawberry Fields' sung by Kurt Cobain at the end of a very long night. The EP fades out with 'Oh', and I need to go for a lie down. In less than 20 minutes I feel like I have been dragged all over the place by the scruff of the neck and then dumped on the side of the road. And I liked it.

Track Listing:-

Band Links:-