Los Angeles-based indie rock outfit LADY SLOTH introduces their debut EP, Forest Behind The Fog, via Trailing Twelve Records.
LADY SLOTH shares, “To us, the forest resembles the clarity and freedom of self-actualization. The fog resembles all the obstacles in the way… depression, anxiety, fear, and doubt. In this EP, we acknowledge and explore those obstacles on our way to the beautiful forest.”
The musical project of Justina Shandler and Jon Lane, LADY SLOTH came to life in a hotel room on vacation in California, when Jon suggested they write a song together. From California, Jon played with Uprooted, which landed numerous placements with Red Bull, while Justina’s music is featured on Hulu’s Good Trouble, along with placements on Temptation Island and Amazon Prime’s Forever Summer: Hamptons.
Encompassing four tracks, Forest Behind The Fog begins with “Sugarloaf Mountain Road,” which opens on a low-slung piano topped by Shandler’s soft voice, followed by ramping up to a driving, indie-rock melody riding tight percussion. Shandler’s voice takes on vibrant energy replete with luscious sonic nuances.
Vaguely familiar because of Shandler’s creamy, glowing voice, “Fences” travels on a galloping rhythm full of wonderfully finessed drums. Potent, gleaming guitars give the tune elevating dynamics as delicious vocal harmonies appear in the background, imbuing the song with depth and dimension.
“Head Game” features a contagious, pushing rhythm and low, thrumming guitars. The bassline and drums merge seamlessly, delivering a dazzling rhythmic flow as Shandler’s silk-smooth vocals infuse the lyrics with bewitching textures.
“Freedom Bailey” ties the EP off, delivering a beguiling mid-tempo rhythm, allowing Shandler’s lush, evocative voice to imbue the lyrics with indulgent flavors. It’s a grand, deluxe voice – expressive and oh-so-alluring.
“Come home, come home again / It’s not the end / Wouldn’t we love living / Come home again / Toes in the sand / No one else’s vision / No one else’s plans.”
Wow! LADY SLOTH has it going on! Gorgeously wrought, Forest Behind The Fog is one of the best indie-rock EPs of the year.