All The Forgotten 45’s songs exist on a continuum between two poles: snappy, melodic-inflected pop tunes and vast, mind-altering classic rock soundscapes. “In Case You Forgot”, the band’s sophomore album, wastes no time in reaffirming what The Forgotten 45’s do. The 4-minute “Fly on the Wall” spends its first third establishing a swiftly shuffling rhythm and dense layers of distorted guitars—some tightly riffing, some spitting out abstract patterns—over which Nolan McSheridan voice creates its own winding melody, like a conversation that keeps shifting focus. Once the core concept is in place, it’s time to play. McSheridan’s lyrics meander through the jangling guitars, while the different instruments get noisier, jostling for position as the song powers up and grooves to the finish.
This is classic The Forgotten 45’s: a track that takes its time, goes through changes, and rewards those who love layers of harmony and crunchy competitive strumming. If there’s a model for “In Case You Forgot”, it’s “Otherside”, a dynamic anthem with a few uplifting choruses that leaves plenty of space for McSheridan and his comrades to shine, especially Michael Rossi whose overdriven funky guitar riffs are as endearing as they are grooving.
By the time you hit the play button on “Runaway”, it’s already become clear that “In Case You Forgot” can essentially be summed up in one word: epic. Saying that, doing so would be a great disservice to just how impressive this album is. Each song is a masterful and winding journey through melody and rhythm. The album pivots effortlessly between the subdued and the powerful, often building to an incredible climax.
Lyrically, The Forgotten 45’s are honest and vulnerable while the lead vocal nestles itself comfortably between strumming guitars and warm harmonies that hark back to the sixties. The beauty of “In Case You Forgot” is that The Forgotten 45’s manage to attack their subjects with a level of craft and subtlety that allows them to be affecting without ever appearing sanctimonious.
Every track on this album is expertly structured, never becoming repetitive or over-staying its welcome. This formula creates the potential for the songs to evolve naturally into something sprawling and magnificent – which is what happens with standouts like “Make You Mind”, “Ms. Kuhle”, “By The Way”, “Today” and “What I Need”.
On “Otherside” and “Runaway”, The Forgotten 45’s continue to employ that winning combination of ingenuous lyrics, adding wailing guitars that amplify the song-craft to immense heights. Every track has its own story and setting, just as fascinating and engrossing as the last, making the album an extremely pleasurable and often jaw-dropping experience.
The Forgotten 45’s are an indie power pop group based in Olympia, WA, consisting of Nolan McSheridan (Vocals), Michael Rossi (Guitar, Vocal Harmonies), Cosmo (Bass) and David Gies (Drums). They guide you effortlessly through what can be considered a master class in grand melodic indie rock.
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