Their unique name is cribbed from a C.S. Lewis poem, originally penned as an environmental warning. But frontman Eric Owyoung references it to address our need for beauty, a commodity lavishly supplied by the deeply ambient and creative songs of “Twilight.”
Owyoung and guitarist Nick Maybury, both formerly of Something Like Silas, started Future of Forestry with bassist Luke Floeter and drummer Spencer Kim in 2005. Together these innovators push the boundaries of comfort and creativity to craft twelve tracks of liberating sonic exploration. The artful opening of “Open Wide” comes across like a jet breaking through waves of sound to split the skies. The intensely melodic title track has a breath-taking free-floating quality, attained by creative looping and shimmering guitars. Much of the album shares this spacey quality, and it probably has a lot to do with the production. After producer Ken Andrews recorded the basics, Owyoung and company took possession of the tracks for two months, during which time they explored the ambient qualities of washing machines, ironing boards, and pots and pans. “Twilight” is rich with experimental and moving sound, supported powerfully by Kim’s rock solid drums and Owyoung’s expressive vocals.
Lyrically, the album seems to reveal more as it progresses, adding to the sense of journey. “Sacred Place” is a veritable sonic stew, with its ethereal background vocals and twinkling guitar riffs, and “Sanctitatis” is more of the same. The mix of passionate vocals and the pumping rhythm section on “You and I” brings Among Thorns to mind, while the simple acoustic track “If You Find Her” surprises you with its sweet loveliness.
The soundscape turns back to the lush side on “Gazing,” Owyoung’s vocals piercing the lavish instrumentation like a laser with expressions of devotion. “Stay Beside Me” openly declares the glories of Jesus, but it is the hidden bonus track that really rips the lid off of FOF’s worship. Coming in on the ten-and-a-half minute mark, this soaring worship track drips with passion.
Future of Forestry’s “Twilight” releases from Credential Recordings on January 23rd, now officially a red-letter day on my calendar.
