The Forgotten 45's - Stop

The Forgotten 45's

Stop
self-released; 2015

3.6 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Some records have a warmth to them that is immediately noticeable. There is a hum with the lower-mid range that lets you crank it and not have your ears ring. The debut release STOP by The Forgotten 45’s is one of those records.

Stop is a rock/pop album that is well written and easy to enjoy upon your first listen. Some records take a while to get used to which are sometimes known as “growers” and this is not that type of album. You will most likely being humming along to some of these choruses by the second time you hear it. 

The album starts with the title song “Stop” which initially reminded me of the band Real Estate. It contains delayed guitar, soft drums and a myriad of bass notes which create an almost dreamlike atmosphere. When the chorus hits the band pours on some distortion and rocks out. The punch is that much more visceral from the atmospheric verse. 

“Pink Azaleas” is an upbeat, infectious song that tips it hat to ‘60s pop. It has a similar vibe to a song like “Penny Lane” and might be a good cure if you are feeling blue. The vocal harmonies are especially effective on this track. The first abrupt deviation comes from the song “Mistress.” This is a certified blues stomper that breaks up some impressive lead guitar and swagger. Although the song is a far cry from a song like “Pink Azaleas” the band managed to pull it off because of the delivery. 

“Fragile Beauty” is a throwback to ‘90s alternative music while “When I Was Kid” is a nostalgic yet chipper song that was a personal favorite. As the album progresses the songs remain strong with the anthemic “Don’t Cry” and melancholy yet grandiose “New Year.”

It wasn’t a surprise when I read that most of the band members had formal training. The band excels from a technical perspective but they also are cognizant enough to know to let the songs breathe. STOP is a bit sporadic at points but the consistent production helps bind the songs together. Overall, STOP is a solid debut that gives me little to complain about. 

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