Album Review: Virgin Forest, Easy Way Out
Virgin Forest, four fifths of Alabama indie band Phosphorescent, recently released the album Easy Way Out whose title seems somewhat prophetic. There is nothing wrong with this album, no glaring mistakes or unbearable stylistic choices. Unfortunately, there is also nothing terribly interesting about this album.
The songs succeed either when they create a lazy, atmospheric backdrop to lead singer, Scott Stapleton’s simple, but emotionally charged lyrics like in “Don’t be Afraid”, or when they fully invest in an almost pop-folk sound: a little more upbeat and exalting while lamenting the freedom following the loss of love, as seen in the song “I Might Get High.”
The major problem with Virgin Forest is not that they have failed in any respect, but that they lack a clear voice or, in a word, “soul.” Many of the songs are somewhat lifeless and stale, sounding almost like filler. Such a song would be “Lifted,” which from the onset seems somewhat hackneyed; the repetition of the lyric “Rats in a cage” only seems to emphasis this triteness. Sometimes on this album, it seems that they are still playing back-up.
That being said there are undoubtedly points where the lyrics tap into the basic, but nonetheless potent feelings that most if not all people feel, complimenting and augmenting the classic guitar riffs. “Song for Nino” is one of these moments. Stripped to the barest elements of their style (which isn’t exactly lush to begin with), it capitalizes on a feeling of longing and melancholy, unrequited, and somewhat fucked up love. Here, they artfully combine the most powerful elements of their music and triumph. Similarly “Home Alone” accesses the same simple emotion, this time paired with a folky swing. Easy Way Out has its hiccups and its victories. When all is said and done, it deserves a listen even if only to check out and keep an eye on Virgin Forest.
Is the fifth fifth Matthew Houck? Because that would explain why it’s so boring.