Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!
Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!

JFH Indie Review

JFH Indie Music Spotlight Review

Duane Forrest

Duane Forrest
The Climb

Album length: 13 tracks: 40 minutes, 37 seconds
Street Date: June 19, 2017
Buy It: iTunes


Genre-blending can be the bane of many an artist. It only really works when a songwriter can pool the most complementary elements of each style together in a way that is also pleasant to the ear. Thus, when I saw that Duane Forrest's album The Climb was being self-described as a mixture of "Bossa Nova, Reggae, Folk, and Jazz," I was as intrigued as I was nervous. Although not every track accomplishes this feat well, the songs that feel equal parts Jack Johnson and Bob Marley are what make this release pretty enjoyable.

From the opening verse of "Edge Of The Sea," it becomes apparent that this album isn't trying to be energetic or packed with radio-friendly excitement. Instead, the song offers pleasantly minimal guitars, strangely ominous percussion, and oceanic soundscapes. Even though this is the most bare track on the album, it captures the tone of light-hearted, beachy fun that runs throughout most of these songs. The opener segues well into the best stretch of songs I've heard in a while. From "Piece Of Cake" to "The Walk," everything from industrial drums to Spanish guitars to prominent strings to reggae organs come together to paint a uniquely cohesive sonic palette. This variety works to keep the listener engaged while being constantly surprised without sacrificing musical integrity and falling into genre tropes.

Nevertheless, the blend of styles on the second half of the album doesn't feel quite as intentional. As the gimmicky cracks begin to show on songs like "1 Night Stand" (which also features uncomfortable lines like "I'm not like them other guys/Gentlemen on the outside/Gentle when they touch your thighs/But they wanna take advantage of you"), the repetitive structures and underdeveloped ideas feel more noticeable. Additionally, Forrest's excessively breathy vocal style becomes a bit tiring on the ears. Props must be given to his commitment to genre-blending, but the dip in quality towards the end prevents the album from sticking the landing.

Forrest is also quite consistent in his dedication to extravagantly cheesy love lyrics. Lines like "You are my piece, my piece of cake/When I really need to escape" on "Piece Of Cake" are a dime a dozen, but they at least feel stylistically appropriate. Forrest is able to veer away from a number of romantic clichés, which is impressive considering that is what most songs focus on, but some lyrical variety to match the musical variety would have been appreciated.

The Climb admittedly doesn't hit all the marks that it tries to hit, but Forrest's ambitious adherence to genre-blending is admirable; he certainly has more potential to create more unified efforts than the typical indie artist. If you're looking for something diverse and easy to listen to by the pool during the waning moments of this summer, there's definitely enough here that will be worth your while.

- Review date: 8/8/17, written by Mason Haynie of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 

. Record Label: 676692 Records DK
. Album length: 13 tracks: 40 minutes, 37 seconds
. Street Date: June 19, 2017
. Buy It: iTunes

  1. Edge of the Sea (3:28)
  2. Peace of Cake (2:55)
  3. Oceans (3:25)
  4. Policia (2:57)
  5. The Walk (3:23)
  6. Mid Summer Night's Dream (2:42)
  7. 1 Night Stand (4:25)
  8. Warrior 1 (2:56)
  9. Wedding Bells (2:41)
  10. G'morning Bossa (1:35)
  11. Chevrolet (3:01)
  12. End of the World (3:12)
  13. Mariela of My Dreams (3:56)

 

 

 

go to main Indie review page
go to Indie Review Index

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH



This Friday, June 27, 2025
ALBUMS
7eventh Time Down We Praise You [BEC]
The Browns 25th Anniversary: Better Days Ahead [StowTown]
Franni Cash Wild Child - EP [Capitol CMG]
Matt Crocker interlude [Anotherland]
Jimmy Fortune Songs of an American Dreamer [Gaither]
Roxanne Grace Road Trip - EP [DREAM]
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise The Live Reunion: Washington, DC [James Town]
Kutless The Seventh Seal - EP [BEC]
Evvie McKinney It Ain't Over - EP (independent)
Rusty Shipp Capsized Empire (independent)
SEU Worship A Forgiving God [Provident]
The Shimmering Carnelians The Doorway (Version 2.0) (independent)
We Are Messengers A Thousand Times - EP [Curb]

SINGLES
Anchor & Braille Rattlesnake - Single [Equal Vision]
ANTHNY imposter syndrome - Single [Provident]
Blanca Right On Time - Single [Curb]
Landry Cantrell & Elenee sunshine & rainbows - Single [DREAM]
Eddie Clark Never Content - Single [Syntax]
Colony House Atomic - Single [Roon]
Megan Danielle Preachin' To The Choir - Single [Provident]
Drea LP & OnBeatMusic Don't Try Me (DTM) - Single [Syntax]
ELI GABLE Glory Bound - Single [Capitol CMG]
Joseph Habedank Running to Me - Single [Daywind]
Lonnie Hunter Flow (Like A River) - Single [Uncle G]
Kashh Kade HELP - Single [Syntax]
KB x KEANU Keanu's Song - Single [Provident]
Tasha Layton Singing In the Dark - Single [BEC]
Tasha Cobbs Leonard The Hand That Keeps Holding - Single [Motown Gospel]
Claire Leslie Thank God I'm Not Alone (from Claire's Phone) - Single [Capitol CMG]
Tim Lovelace Celebration of America Medley (feat. Charlie McCoy) - Single [StowTown]
Lecrae Tell No Lie (feat. Jackie Hill Perry) - Single [Reach]
LO Worship The Perfect Love of Jesus - Single [Integrity]
Patrick Mayberry Thank The Lord - Single [Provident]
Michael Monroe John The Baptist (feat. Chris Renzema) - Single [Provident]
Alexander Pappas A Great Awakening / Un Nuevo Despertar - Single [Integrity]
PEABOD Summer in Seattle - Single [RMG Amplify]
Rave Jesus Walk On The Water Remix (From The Chosen) - Single [Provident]
The Rocky Valentines Nat Song - Single [Velvet Blue]
Tommy Royale, gio. Like Dat - Single [Capitol CMG]
Saints In Exile & Cutright My Dead End (ft. Jeannie Ortega, Luc DiMarzio, Jericko) - Single [Syntax]
Emilie Weiss Take Care (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]

DVD
Jimmy Fortune Songs Of An American Dreamer DVD [Gaither]

Next Friday, July 4, 2025
ALBUMS
Chad Cory America [DREAM]
Tenielle Neda The Way Of Love [Wings]

SINGLES
Christian Back Now - Single [DREAM]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images