Virgin Forest – Joy Atrophy
MMM1/2
There’s something rather indescribable about the feeling that comes over you while driving through the dark on a desolate road, the headlights providing the only source of light; the feeling that comes over you when you humble yourself with a walk through the vast expanse of a forest; or the feeling that comes over you while you travel across the golden brown countryside, cutting through the dense, cold air outside. And while it may be more about the sullenness of heartache, a listen through Virgin Forest’s debut, Joy Atrophy, captures the essence of these special moments.
Folk music, while at times simplistic, lends itself to a wealth of detail for how well it succinctly tackles the heart of the issue, or issues at hand, with just a voice and a guitar – much like country is often said to be “three chords and the truth.” Virgin Forest take this succinctness and play it with a loose rock ‘n’ roll feel, providing Joy Atrophy with a fluidity and down-to-earth charm. And lest you think this is all thanks to some studio magic, it must be noted that the album was recorded live in a mere three days. The band consists of former members of Castanets and current members of Phosphorescent, and after consistent touring and miles logged between the two bands, Virgin Forest has undoubtedly forged a musical kinship. By playing in accord with this unspoken soulful, musical bond, the band instills a road-weathered, experienced tone to their music.
