When it comes to local acts on the rise in Providence this year, it’s pretty hard not to bring Forest Fires into the conversation. Exuding a distinct post-rock influence — think of a condensed version of Caspian with lyrics — with a minor amount of shoegazy fuzz and an pop-rock style that mirrors the likes of Kevin Devine and Death Cab For Cutie, Forest Fires do enough on their own terms for an original sound that refuses to be pinned down. In a world where rehashing seems to be part of the norm, this indie quintet always manages to stray away by bringing a variety of dimensions to the forefront.
The lead single off of their upcoming debut To the Sound Of… (out August 1st on Midday Records), “Lessons Learned” is triumphant, mellow, and rhythmic all at once. Lyrically a cautious love song about having feelings for someone with experiences from past relationships governing how you convey them, there’s a sense of heartfelt tenuity to which any hopeless romantic can relate. The musical emphasis, however, is at the forefront from start to finish as Forest Fires accentuate feelings in various ways through sonic means. The driving force of it all makes their upcoming release one of the more exciting out of the Ocean State this year.
Bostonians can check out Forest Fires with We Were Astronauts and All Talk at Great Scott on August 10, and Rhode Islanders can see them open up for Something Corporate and Jack’s Mannequin’s Andrew McMahon under the moniker Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness as part of the Friday Night Concert Series at Waterplace Park in the downcity area of Providence on August 14.
Give “Lessons Learned” a listen below…
