--Ada Wofford
----Released 21 August 2020
Dear Forbidden's new EP, Before the Night Expires is like a thunder storm—In between the loud and fuzzy choruses are verses of momentary peace and quiet. The album is comforting yet slightly unnerving. And every once in a while, there's a jolt of lighting.
There's a tightness reminiscent of Speedy Ortiz and that comparison has nothing to do with Gina LC's voice, which is truly her own and begs no comparison. But the way Dear Forbidden make transitions, the way the fuzz cuts out without sounding gated, the incredible drumming, and the locked-in bass—you can hear a bit of Speedy Ortiz. But you can also hear their Boston pals Pile as well. This is fuzzy 90s inspired rock for sure, but it has that sophistication of tone and structure that has been made popular by the aforementioned bands.
The tracks "Smile Dropper" and "Pledge" were both previously released as singles making the two new tracks on this EP "Invisible Corset" and "Plank." (Read our write up on "Smile Dropper" here.) But if you purchased their singles, you're getting a lot more than just two new songs. Listening to "Pledge" and "Smile Dropper" in the context of the EP gives the tracks new life and meaning. The hooky riff that opens "Pledge" hits much harder when you hear it after the heavy sludge-induced riffage of "Invisible Corset." Likewise, the clock-like march of "Smile Dropper" leads in nicely to the ethereal shoegaze closer "Plank."
Gina LC and Scott Radway working in the studio
Dear Forbidden used an assortment of gear for this album but for the most part they kept it simple and straight forward. They recorded the drum tracks at the excellent Gradwell House Studio in New Jersey and used the studio's house kit for their drum sound. For guitar, Gina LC used a Fender Deville tube amp, a Gibson Les Paul, and a Fender Jaguar (with a humbucker in the bridge). For pedals they used an Earthquaker Devices Palisades distortion, OP Amp Big Muff, an TC Electronics Echobrain Delay, a Holy Grail reverb, an MXR Blue Box, and a vintage Boss CE-2 chorus.
Drummer Steph Brettman laying down drums at Gradwell House
Ryan Young's Fender P-bass was recorded through a Fender Rumble and was both mic'd and DI'ed while recording. For pedals he used an EHX Bass Big Muff and a Boss OBD-3. After recording the drums at Gradwell House, they pieced the album together at Young's home studio with the assistance of Nick Rossi from Marine Todd and Scott Radway (who also did the mixing).
The mix on this album is incredible. When there's noisy parts, they're harmonic and sweet in a way that doesn't detract from their aggressiveness. You can hear influences from Pixies, Built to Spill, The Breeders, Sonic Youth, and even a little early Weezer (though I have no idea if they'd approve of these comparisons). Basically, this is music written for someone like me. Someone in their 30s, who has their own band, pulling from these same influences, who gets out of bed just to hear fuzzy guitars, punchy bass, heavy drums, and catchy vocals—But that's not to say that people of all ages couldn't dig this record.
This EP is one of my favorites of the year. Dear Forbidden are the whole package and if you care about indie music at all, you'll fork over some cash and buy this EP. Listen to "Smile Dropper" below:
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