Forest, the rising star in the alternative rock scene, has once again proven her musical talent with the release of her much-anticipated sophomore EP, ‘A Temper If Not Tamed.’ After making her debut in the indie pop genre with her first EP earlier last year, Forest has now taken her sound to the next level, delivering a grittier, more raw alternative pop style that showcases her versatility as an artist.
The EP features a total of five tracks, three of which have already been unveiled before the release. Each track in ‘A Temper If Not Tamed’ narrates a different aspect of Forest’s love life with a powerful mix of anger and self-empathy, resulting in a collection of songs that are both relatable and authentic.
The EP opens up with ‘Heavy Water,’ a track written about a one-night stand, whom Forest has not cared to think about since. She uses the experience to capture the scary feeling of getting attached too soon. Starting slow, with laid-back beats, Forest waits until the last minute on the track before kicking up the pace of the drums and edgy guitar. The track’s conflicting emotions give it a thoughtful edge, while its catchy chorus showcases Forest’s affable personality and allure.
‘Porno’ follows and enters a heavier pop-punk feel. Featuring a whinier, pleading voice, Forest lyrically begs for more of, assumingly, a lover. This track opens the EP up for a heavier instrumental sound, which Forest reflected her love for previously in our exclusive interview. The track’s lyrical sound sits comfortably somewhere between monotone and angsty. Listening along, Forest’s cries feel like an unavoidably heavyweight, pulling you into her depths of despair.
The EP’s big moment of innovative pop punk appears on its third track, ‘Death Of Us.’ Forest’s emotions are palpable as she expresses her feelings of hurt and disappointment after losing out to another girl. The vibrancy and energy peaking through on the second track truly surface in this angsty revenge anthem. Being the stand-out song of the EP, Forest truly captures her experience in an exciting scream-in-front-of-your-mirror style.
The following track is ‘Bodies,’ a grueling emotional gut punch throughout, the track explores Forest’s experiences begging for normal, humane treatment. Her lyrics feel instantly relatable and easy to resonate with as she powers through, backed up by vibrant, dynamic guitar riffs. The track’s authentic lyrics, experimental sound techniques, and enthralling vocals are no doubt the reason for its large popularity.
‘Everything & Nothing’ is next, a melodic and engaging release that maintains the artist’s growing intensity, especially through her lyrics and delivery. Forest bares her soul against a backdrop of fuzzy, distorted guitar sounds that feel suitably angsty. Unlike other songs, this track pushes the instrumentals above its vocals, delivering a frenetic and explosive guitar solo that exemplifies the sheer exploratory nature and capacity of Forest’s sound.
Finishing the EP is the name track, ‘A Temper If Not Tamed,’ which feels like an angry reflection of all the wrong in past relationships. Forest lyrically begs to lose the cowardly love and embrace what could be in an open, vulnerable style. As a whole, the EP effortlessly showcases the many dynamics Forest continues to achieve. Its realness and authenticity put listeners in Forest’s shoes, as they navigate the heartbreaking world of relationships right alongside her.