`Forest For The Trees` is an example of the idiom of getting so caught up in small, individual details that you fail to understand the overall situation or the “big picture”. It`s also the title of Deer Fang`s debut full-length album. The release addresses some heavy topics, from death and loss to domestic and emotional abuse, self-criticism and depression to defiance and independence.
The album opens with `Tasting Blood` which has a dreaminess about it although the subject matter seems to relate to enduring a toxic relationship and having the strength and courage to leave. There are unclean vocals that maybe mirror the distress felt. The pace picks up towards the end. A heavier thumping drumbeat and shimmering riffs lead us into `Over It`. The number is about finding the strength and courage to leave a poisonousness and exploitative association and move on . A track that feels quite cathartic.
`So Surreal` is a further dreamy submission and appears to hint that forming this band and the path chosen is the right one but fairly surreal and strange at the same time. We enjoy a faster pace with `Howl` which is about standing up for what you believe regardless of societal restrictions. The repeated us of the defiant “No More Silence” is almost the mantra of this song.
`The Letter` is a fuzzy slow burn with some sparkling riffs and vocals that express anguish and hurt which mirrors this tale of leaving someone who, despite having good intentions and love, will not satisfy your needs and desires. For me `Broken` is slow and measured and has fellow Canadians Seventh Dose accompanying the band. A fairly introspective composition which also has some brief understated growled vocals.
`Crawling` is loaded with a rolling rhythmic drumbeat and churning riffs and seems to be about breaking free from a controlling relationship. There`s a sense of tension and apprehension running throughout this offering.
We have a slight tribal beat to `No Matter What` initially before it races off. It`s about being there for friends despite not always being around. Theres a short time out for what I felt was some unnecessary growled vocals before it resumes it`s prior trail.
`Casting Shadows` is awash with shimmering guitar riffs and spliced through with spoken word segments regarding androcentrism and male dominance and fighting against such burdens. The album concludes with the title track `Forest For The Trees` which is a tribute or eulogy to somebody who it seems you were close to but you were not around when they passed. Someone who shone brightly and still inspires you to learn from their guidance and direction.
Deer Fang`s sound melds grunge, shoegaze, punk, and alternative rock influences, evoking a sense of nostalgia while forging their own distinct path forward and this becomes quite evident on `Forest For The Trees`. It’s an enticing listen from a band that I’d categorise along with the likes of Cocteau Twins, Cranberries, Slowdive, This Mortal Coil. My Bloody Valentine and The Sundays.
A band that acknowledges the past but forges a future on their own terms.
Rating 8/10
