Further Seems Forever - The Moon Is Down (Review)
Album artwork for Further Seems Forever's The Moon Is Down.
I know most of us have heard Dashboard Confessional by now. Chris Carrabba’s lyrics and sincere compositions have gotten us all through tough times and made the world seem a little bit more bearable.
Before Dashboard, Chris was involved in a brilliant little project known as Further Seems Forever. Although he only participated with the band’s debut release, The Moon is Down, his mark on the band is impressive and later proved to be irreplaceable.
The Moon is Down was released in 2001 on Tooth and Nail Records. Carrabba had actually already announced that he was leaving band before the recording of this record, but he went ahead and recorded with them anyways. And it’s a good thing he did.
The heavy title track sets the album off with an accurate picture of the tone and sound of the rest of the album. Even back then, Carrabba could write beautiful and thought-provoking lyrics, and “The Moon is Down” is no exception. Overlapping vocal melodies backed by dark guitars instantly create a somber feeling. But this feeling isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s actually quite intriguing, especially because of its originality.
The second track, “The Bradley,” bears a good deal of similarity to the preceding track, but it helps create a solid consistency. Heavily distorted and quickly changing chords provide another dark palette for Carrabba to paint his heartfelt lyrics on. The melodies here are so good, you can sometimes get distracted and forget about these lyrics. Example: “These bonds were always fake / Crafted for safety’s sake / But pasted wings and foil rings / do not an angel make.”
Then comes one of the best songs I have possibly ever heard. “Snowbirds and Townies” is an intricate and delicate song with careful arrangements and perfect production fronted by soaring melodies and nostalgic lyrics. Beautifully crafted guitar pieces, authentic vocals, and an honest string section give this already great song the appropriate boost.
“Monechetti” is a short but solid song with an addicting tune and U2-like soundscapes. More astounding lyrics throughout- “The paddle is broken / The punishment is served in full / The welts are faded / The pain still lingers as it should.” Carrabba’s voice is haunting and intentionally strained for a stunning effect. Definitely another highlight.
“Madison Prep” is a slightly more repetitive tune, but the quality of the song is not affected. It’s somewhat simple, but it’s definitely still memorable. “New Year’s Project” slows things down a bit and draws the listener in for a soft monologue of regret and contemplation before ringing out into a gripping chorus melody.
The next two tracks show a more versatile side of the band. “Just Until Sundown” showcases a delicate Carrabba vocal backed by more ambient guitar pieces and harmonically emphasized lyrical lines. “Pictures of Shorelines” brings a post-punk variation to the plate with thin powerchords and fast-paced melodies.
“Wearing Thin” actually brings to mind recent Dashboard songs, specifically “Matters of Blood and Connection” from The Shade of Poison Trees record. Obviously this song was written long before then, but it’s interesting to see how Chris’s songwriting still has some similarities from record to record. It’s lyrics like “Rain reveals your foundation / And this one’s wearing thin / And shifting in the sand” that again set apart Further Seems Forever from other alt-rock bands of that time (and of this current time as well).
The Moon Is Down gets 5 out of 6 Silent Sound Waves
The cd ends with the desperate “A New Desert Life.” The song unfolds in differing parts, each balancing the other out. Beginning with more heavy guitars and loud melodies (tinted with Carrabba’s signature vocal strain) and alternating with a steady half-time change, it’s interesting from start to finish. Even the extra studio bits at the end are worthwhile.
All around, The Moon is Down is the Further Seems Forever masterpiece. Signature songwriting, notable originality, and expressive honesty all contribute to the success of the record. If you like Dashboard or any other bands ranging from+44 to U2, this is something to look into.
You can purchase The Moon Is Down as a CD from Amazon.
