forestline - forestline

forestline

forestline
self-released; 2022

4.0 out of 5

By Matt Jensen
​

Forestline is an LA-based indie rock group composed of Will Taggart (vocals/guitar), Joe Fournier (keys/synths/vocals) and Nick Coggiola (bass). The band recently released a six-song self-titled EP Forestline.

The album starts off  with “Just a Guy.” I liked their sound right away from the rocking groove they start this song out with. The horns combined with the fuzzy guitar sound which creates a warm and inviting mood. There’s a splash of Americana on this song not too far from a band like Wilco. All of the players showcase some talent. The drumming was exceptional and I thought the singing was top notch as well. Great opener. 

You submerge into a lush soundscape on “First Time in a While.” The guitars twinkle, the vocals are more subdued and the horns are borderline sensual. It’s also a catchy song with a bed of melancholy. The ending  is fantastic where he repeats the line “The first time in a while” and goes into a killer sax solo. Two songs in and I thought both showed different sides to their talent.

“Couldn’t Wait” begins with a wicked guitar pattern and vocals. Cymbals begin to shimmer and the horns slide down to find a funky and fine groove. This is a deep cut and many more kudos to that drummer. The song has a lot of great sections. Towards the middle it goes big band, reaching a crescendo and coming crashing down to a jazzy moonlit evening.

“Lost on Time” trades the funky qualities for a song that’s a little more cerebral and pensive. The guitar melodies and horns are again key components. Taggart hits it out of the park with the vocals and there are some sections where they rock out in their own horn based way.

“Waves” is the arguable highlight. The song fades in with a solid bass and drum combo. There’s an airy feeling to the groove which is dreamlike. As the song progresses it builds with excitement and energy. It happens slowly which is some of the genius to it.

They close with “Wander Off” which is another solid song. There’s a joyful energy to the song and the dynamics between the instruments work well. There are punctuating stabs by the bass and drums juxtaposed against disparate guitar melodies. I thought the hook on this song was really strong.

​The band is off to a great start. I thought the songs were well produced and delivered. They have a sound that has broad appeal and should catch you on first listen. Take a listen.

official website

Tweet