The new EP from Forever, Close to the Flame, out on Cascine on Friday, isn't full of the sort of music that I'd normally gravitate towards. However, the production here is enveloping and the songs benefit immensely from that, and the breathy vocals of June Moon.
"Blur" is enchanting, but the more direct "Make It Happen" is better. The cut, with its guest rap from Just John, is likely the most fully-formed thing here on Close to the Flame. Elsewhere, "Diving Bell Blue" is ersatz R 'n' B, white girl soul riding wave after wave of electronic effects, while "Adonis" is lovely in spots. On this one, the blend of June Moon's cooing vocals and the dense production works splendidly, with the overall impact of the tune recalling both Portishead a tiny bit, and "Justify My Love"-era Madonna.
Close to the Flame by Forever is out on Friday via Cascine.
More details on Forever via the official Facebook page.
[Photo: Cameron Mitchell]