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| Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Music > Travel by Future of Forestry Writer : Hannah Teoh (1) Travel by Future Of ForestryThe band with a curious moniker inspired by a CS Lewis poem plays melodic, ethereal rock reminiscent of some U2, Coldplay and Sigur Ros songs, but the comparisons end there. Electric guitars and keyboards are layered and accentuated with a variety of instruments, including unusual ones such as the harmonium, theramin and even a saw played with a fiddle. This mesmerising myriad of sounds keeps you riveted, drawn in to the tightly arranged melodies accentuated by thoughtful, introspective lyrics. Their latest release, a 6-track EP entitled "Travel", is the first in a set of three EPs centred around the theme of travel. The band's previous work includes a full length album, Twilight (2007) and a Christmas EP (2008). The songs on Travel revolve around the theme of transitions and change. They are songs which express longing to be closer to the one who remains unchanging (Closer to Me), and also songs which speak of hope and joy for the beauty found in the midst of the journey (Traveler's song, This Hour). Haunting strings kick off the rousing "This Hour", while a quieter, acoustic ballad like "Close your eyes" relies on just a guitar and cello to give the song about trust and faith a personal feel. "Colors in array" has all the colour that a glockenspiel, harmonium, vibraphone and yes, even sleigh bells can add. The blend of instruments represents the message of learning to see the beautiful mosaic God creates through our lives amidst the chaos we feel. Future of Forestry is not your average rock band and I would hesitate to call them a Christian version of Sigur Ros or U2. Despite being a relatively young band, they've carved out a sonic niche for themselves which blends spirituality and strong musical arrangements without using the usual Christian cliches. At the end of the album, you may well be nodding in agreement at how some of your emotions and heart cries have been expressed so articulately through these six tracks. Listen to the Travel album at www.myspace.com/futureofforestry. Read about the stories behind the songs and purchase the album at www.futureofforestry.com. Also available on iTunes.
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