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Forest Giants: In Sequence (LP) /Postcards (7" single)
[Invisible Hands]

Although Forest Giants is a new band hailing from London, frontman Tim Rippington has led his previous band Beatnik Filmstars on a number of adventures in the 90s which included multiple slots on the John Peel Show and a US tour with the Flaming Lips.  The new album he's made with Forest Giants, titled In Sequence, shows that he's been around the block a few times.  What's nice about this album is the diversity of sound you find, and the confidence that Forest Giants has while playing around with their style.

The first comparison that jumps to my mind is like an early era Boo Radleys (Giant Steps perhaps?), where the album jumps out in all directions: melodic, droning, jangling, psychedelic, basically a big mix-up of sounds that keeps the LP pretty dynamic.  One track I dig is "F.W.I.," which gives you sort of a slow driving beat that's layered with all sorts of fuzzy guitar noises.  The single from the album is called "Postcards," which reminds me a bit of the Wedding Present in a good way.  It's sort of a short reflective tale that works up into a thick guitar-driven conclusion.  "20 years ago you said we'd smash the glass, but all I have to show is some hand downs from the past".  Without the musical context, that probably sounds like Cure lyrics or something, but the mood from these songs is anything but self-indulgent, because it really is the music that does most of the talking the reason I'd stress The Boo Radleys comparisons.

But Forest Giants isn't borrowing anybody's style. They just share the same spirit of creativity I see in these other bands, while staying quite true to their own agenda.  Invisible Hands Music has released a 3 track '45 for "Postcards" as well, which is fun.  The first B-Side, "Mr. Doorman," doesn't do too much that you can't find on the full-length release, but second B-Side, "Genius," is intriguing enough if you want to hear more of these guys.  Though both B-Sides are ultimately very short, all in all they make a nice contribution to keep the Postcards single balanced.  Keep your eyes out for In Sequence though, because the band sounds best with the diversity of the full album.

This album can be purchased at Invisible Hands Music

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