Tidy Memorial
Self-Released, 2025
9/10
The Alaska resident and singer-songwriter Josh Fortenbery returns with 10 more thoughtful and sincere songs that embrace Americana, folk and country ideas.
The warm and heartfelt “Heaven’s Above” opens with Erik Clampitt’s glowing pedal steel that complements Fortenbery’s raw voice and cozy guitar, and “Nobody Is Pleased” follows with Todd Vierra’s skilled drums that bring intimacy to the soft melodies.
“Steven” and “City Lights” arrive in the middle. The former is full of vivid storytelling thanks to Fortenbery’s distinct voice, and the latter enlists Sam Roberts’ precise bass amid the rich delivery of the album’s best.
The title track resides late in the listen and welcomes Taylor Dallas Vidic’s lush harmony vocals and much layering, and “Wanderlust” exits with a distinct dreaminess that’s nearly meditative in its cinematic mood.
Fortenbery’s got a voice that draws you in and he sure knows his way around a guitar, too. These stories radiate much beauty and timelessness, where each tune is a eulogy of some sort that’s relatable and wise.
Travels well with: Josh Fortenbery- No Such Thing As Forever; Tyler Grant- Flatpicker