Hounds is the latest EP from Melbourne indie-folk band Forest Falls. This is the second release from the six-piece, following last year’s Julia EP. It was recorded and engineered at Melbourne’s Winter Sound Studios and Sydney’s Alberts Studios, alongside ARIA Award winning producer Wayne Connolly (Paul Dempsey, Josh Pyke and Cloud Control).
Hounds showcases the band’s talents, oozing with five-part harmonies and calming melodies, but also sees them experiment with different sounds. The opening track Where Do We Go From Here sets the scene, beginning with the soothing lead vocal of Jon O’Neill and the sweet complement of Lucy Rash. More of a pop song than the other five, the cascading drums and electric guitars evoke a calm vibe.
The title track gives off a Motown feel, with an electric keyboard jamming underneath folk melodies, plus barbershop harmonies at the beginning and groovy sax work. This is done without losing their folk touch, as a chill atmosphere breathes beneath the pulsing chords on the keys.
The remaining tracks stay true to the band’s relaxing vibe and the guitar picking and haunting five-part harmonies are a highlight throughout. Additional kudos goes to the string-solo in the third track, Alistair, which is reminiscent of the Game of Thrones theme song.
BY JENA MARINO
