Stubborn Breathing Heart
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
Listen to Stubborn Breathing Heart
The New York native and now California resident Forest Sun makes his own brand of DIY Americana, where his deeply rooted folk influences are met with blues, reggae, and gospel, among many other ideas.
“Keep On Rollin’” starts the listen with soft female singing alongside Sun’s laid back approach that flows with some breezy island flavor, and “Where Is My Home” follows with a soothing blues spirit amid the soulful song craft.
As we approach the middle, the bright horns of “Something You Got” brings funk fun to the party, while “Let Your Love Shine” offers hints of reggae to a very positive message that’s aglow with rhythm. “What It Takes”, an exceptional track, then displays strong songwriting with warm acoustic guitar, expressive singing and a poetic climate.
Close to the end, the calm melodies of “Already Home” make an immediate impression, and “On My Way To You” exits the listen with much beauty as a soft and eloquent landscape unfolds with timelessness and poise.
It’s hard not to think of Jack Johnson when listening to Stubborn Breathing Heart, and Sun’s formula is diverse enough to also bring to mind Steve Earle, ALO or even Jolie Holland. Ultimately an artist forging his own path, these 12 songs are a fine introduction to a troubadour with a massive amount of talent.
Travels well with: Peter Mulvey- There Is Another World; Mark Erelli- Blindsided