Forever
Pias, 2021
10/10
Belgium’s Teen Creeps might not be a band you’ve heard of before (I sure hadn’t), but it won’t take you long to be infatuated with this sophomore album that embraces the best parts of ‘90s alt-rock and even some traces of ‘80s post-punk as the trio blast through 10 exceptional tracks.
“Seeing Shapes” starts the listen thick and busy as angular guitar work and crisp drumming guide the alt-rock meets post-punk climate that benefits from smooth singing, and “Signal Dream” follows with a more subdued approach where power and melody meet at a fuzzed out place that’s got ‘90s emo written all over it.
At the halfway point, “Hideway” charges with furious drumming and a dreamy quality that’s got some of the most forceful vocals amid a dense foundation, while “Toughen Up” is actually initially one of the softer songs before erupting into a bitting delivery of tense musicianship. “Defender”, one of the record’s best, then displays thick walls of guitars as an early Weezer on steroids presence draws us in to their timeless formula.
Close to the end, the swift and scrappy “Tourist” is a jangly and ultra tuneful rocker where crashing drums and guitar acrobatics swirl with a fascinating execution, and “Crash/Land” exits the listen gentle and agile as first, before Dinosaur Jr. level fuzz enters a multifaceted, nostalgic rock’n’roll journey you’ll want to experience again and again.
You can put Forever on a shelf next to Candy Apple Grey, Slanted And Enchanted and Harmacy , where perfect records in the area of indie/punk/alt-rock reside, cause it deserves to be there. We’re looking at record of the year material here, folks.
Travels well with: Bob Mould- Blue Hearts; The Persian Leaps- Bicycle Face