Enamoring with its consuming array of folk introspection and soaring rock, Love and Other Acts of Subversion is the memorable new album from Forest Mountain Lion. The Eugene, Oregon-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist stirs with a melodic and heartfelt sound, also compelling lyrically with an evident appreciation for nature in further examinations of love and self. Also featuring harmonies from Courtney Renea and Jacob Sellars, the release envelops across its nine tracks.
Opening track “Alchemy” enamors right away with its plucky acoustics and poetic lyrical prowess: “I am the ocean and you are the moon / Without you I’d never move.” The tidal-like depictions — and beholding how one dances “across my sky” — rouses into frolicking piano infusions and rhythmic additions, as harmonious backing vocal reflections resemble a cross that feels like a cross of Sufjan Stevens and Porcupine Tree. The ensuing “Julia Butterfly Hill” struts a more soaring rock-forward charm in its twangy guitar work, while also retaining a heartfelt piano-touched ardor. “I’ve been climbing trees still,” vocals let out during a particularly magnetic sequence, continuing to implement natural-laden imagery and metaphorical charm within melodically memorable productions.
Another standout comes on “Earth Back,” where swift guitar twangs complement passionate vocal declarations: “I won’t be hypnotized, separated from the stars.” The album consistently impresses in its range of folk-ready lushness and more expressive rock touches, and “Earth Back” is especially strong in that dynamic offering. The subsequent “Wolves” embraces the folk realm, gorgeously so with riveting string arrangements. Love and Other Acts of Subversion is a consistently compelling success from Forest Mountain Lion.
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“Peace and Possibility” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
