Review Summary: Yeah they nailed it.
We all know that feeling when you are listening to something and going, “wow this is really good.” It doesn’t happen real often. For me at least, this was one of those rare occasions. Being the first project I had ever heard by these guys, I was pretty surprised. Maybe this just hits me right, but I think maybe it’s more than that. This is a phenomenal EP.
Travel II is a bit of a departure from Travel I. Gone are the dramatic choruses, antsy orchestral pieces, and in some ways the overall atmosphere as well. With Travel II, Future of Forestry takes a much more indie approach. The songs are simpler, but much more varied with different instruments taking the lead in different songs. But at the same time, the songs are catchier, better produced, and really quite simply better. Each note completely fits with the song, while never being there just to be there. That might be one of the strengths of this album: accentuation. Every instrument perfectly accompanies the other in a simple, but never dull fashion. Every aspect of the album is done in moderation, never overdone, never underdone, and it’s quite remarkable.
One of the biggest highlights of Travel II is the percussion. Notice not drums- percussion. The different beats that drive the songs are always new and fresh, and most certainly not gimmicky. Whether it’s the stomping sounds of “So Close So Far,” the blocks and xylophones of “Holiday,” or the simple rhythm of “Set Your Sails,” you’ll be hard pressed to not find a finger or foot bouncing along. But really that’s the only instrument you can highlight in particular, because the others are just so fleeting. I could talk about the fantastic guitar riff on “Holiday,” but that’s an isolated appearance. The low-key synths on “Slow Your Breath Down,” but then again you wont find them elsewhere. The background vocals on “Hills of Indigo Blue,” but it’s the only time they are used. Each song sounds so different from the others, but each is pulled off near perfectly and transitions flawlessly.
Well of course there is Owyoung’s voice. I’m just going to say it now: he’s really good. Go listen to “Someday” and you won’t argue. When he wants to be bold and strong he is and when he wants to be soft and intimate he is. At several points its just him and another instrument or two, but really he would sound great if he was singing a capella all by himself. Don’t get me wrong, he’s great on their other work too, but this is his finest achievement. The ending to “Slow Your Breath Down’s” double vocals is among the most beautiful and powerful moments I’ve ever heard in music.
It’s very difficult to talk about highlights on an album like this. Really, it will depend on your tastes. Mine are “Holiday” and “Slow Your Breath Down,” but by even saying that I feel like I am not giving the other tracks due credit. I say it again; each track is a totally different experience, yet the album feels very cohesive. It’s hard to express with words really. The only reasons I don’t give this a 5 is the fact that it’s only six tracks, and “So Close So Far,” which might be a slight step down from the other tracks. It could just be that it follows “Slow Your Breath Down.” It is the most percussion-based track, while having more to the mood of an acoustic track. The weaker chorus and lack of the intangible excellence that the other tracks have make it the only slight misstep present.
All in all though, Future of Forestry has really nailed it with Travel II. It begs to be heard and to be loved by indie rock fans. It’s not revolutionary, but maybe as good as some albums that are. I can only say it like this: if you are a fan of soft indie rock, you need to give Travel II a listen. Like right now.
Recommended Tracks: All of them
