Lindsey J. from CHAMPAIGN, IL Reviewed on 4/15/2007...
Let his voice relax you . .
CD Reviews
Long-Awaited, But Well Worth The Wait
Clinton D. Smith | 04/01/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have anticipated the release of "The Moon Is Down" for a long while now, as Tooth & Nail kept promising that it was "coming soon!" But now it is finally here, and I am not disappointed in the least. Driving guitars fuel this album from start to finish, as Chris Carrabba's unmistakeable voice rages above the music. It usually takes me about 5 listens before I can claim favorite tracks, but I'll be daring and let you know which ones stood out after the first two or three spins: "The Moon Is Down" (which begins with a sweet stereophonic effect of a plane taking off above your head), "The Bradley", "Monachetti", "New Year's Project", and "Pictures of Shorelines".Unfortunately Chris Carrabba is no longer a part of FSF, but the band will continue to rock in his absence. Be sure to catch his new project, Dashboard Confessional; they have released two LPs and one EP, and their acoustic emo rock is beautiful.I recommend this album to fans of the Juliana Theory, Dear Ephesus (geez I miss those boys), A New Found Glory, and the Get Up Kids."
Unabashed, Unpretentious, and Just Good
Jessica Williams | Orange, Texas | 01/30/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I know, I know, chances are unless you are part of underground music circle you have never heard of this album. This Floridian band released their first full-length album The Moon is Down with Tooth and Nail Records. This Seattle-based record company is known for discovering bands such as MXPX and P.O.D. They are Christian company and represent bands of the same profession.
This album is a breath of fresh air from the mundane melodies that have filled our airwaves over the last couple of years. Further Seems Forever from the obscure genre known as emo (a limited definition of emo refers to a underground music genre which is basically "emotional rock", outpourings of the heart set to a rock beat). You can spot these "emo" kids by their shaggy haircuts and Goodwill tees. They're goal is to not be trendy which is now the trend. The music, however has not caught on like the clothes, but is a treasure to those who find it. The music scene has been looking rather thin lately, but Further Seems Forever with their complex and introspective lyrics bring us back to a lyrical quality that has been absent in recent years. I personally enjoyed the poetic value and their extensive vocabulary usage. The acoustics did not have to bring value to the words; they stand on their own. They incorporate Christian themes and their own testimonies in a very personal and authentic manner. Wow, breaking out of the Christian bubble! College kids this album might involuntarily broaden your vocabulary and your mind! Though lyrically obscure don't discount this band with verses like:
"This is unparalleled a grace that's like gravity, clarity I've never seen"
Their lyrics are not the only catchy guitar riffs will draw you in. There is no compromise of their musical integrity on any of the ten tracks on this album. Further Seems Forever, raw and unedited till the end. This album would fall in the ranks of Dashboard Confessional (this was Chris Carrabba's project before Dashboard), Juliana Theory, and Saves the Day.
I leave you with this: finding good music is like shopping at Goodwill, you have to dig through a lot of junk to find a treasure. But think of how more meaningful it is to find something of worth on your own and not have it spoon-fed to you. Try to not sell out to the commercialized music industry, think for yourself! You'll feel a lot better about yourself, and the fact that you didn't get sucked in to buying that Britney Spears album."
Very well written
spence | Sevierville, TN | 08/17/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This cd is a proud addition to my cd collection. Most of the songs on it are very solid with innovative arrangements and guitar work. It seems like the drummer and guitarists are one entity they work together so well. The first three songs on this album are amazing. I got a chill when i heard the end of the third song, which is definately my favorite on the record. The reason for 4 stars is that a couple of the songs toward the end of the album just don't hold up to the awesomeness of the first few. They aren't bad, i guess they just spoil you at the beginning with awesome songs. Anyway, the lyrics are very good. They have depth without confusing you. I first heard chris carraba, the vocalist, from listening to his solo project dashboard confessional. i knew that i couldn't go wrong buying this cd if he was singing the songs. He has a very distinct voice that i like only second to chris conley. He has now left the band, but i've heard that their new singer is just as good. I've heard these guys described as "hardcore". When they say that, don't think that there is screaming throughout the record. That probably is the title that they best fit under though. They are too heavy for emo and nothing close to pop punk. So i would describe them as melodic hardcore without the screaming. This record is worth buying. And also get dashboard confessional. If you like thursday, cursive, cross my heart, and even saves the day, you will like this. Thanx for your time."
A Very Well Written Record
Phillip Park | Manhatton, New York | 08/12/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Further Seems Forever debut release "The Moon Is Down" is an amazing work of beautiful, emotional, dramatic music by a set of guys from South Florida. To call FSF 'emo' or something of that effect is downsizing this great band. This is a record where melodies combine with thoughtful and heartfelt lyrics. Chris Carabba (who everybody and their cousin knows that he is now in huge band-Dashboard Confessional) writes lyrics from personal expierence of hope, despair, insecurity, and love. The beautiful works of imagery of his native town in Florida is painted in "Snowbirds and Townies" and "Pictures of Shorelines". He even uses his spirtual experiences to craft the "Moon is Down" which holds amazing literary and biblical reflections and should encourage that hold true to their faith. "New Years Project" is also a very touching song lyrically and musically that gives a sense of dedication and love for another.
But it is not just Chris' lyrics that make this record work, the music is just amazing. The guitar work by Josh Colbert and Nick Dominguez is beautiful, somewhat technical, not overly distorted, melodic work where many non-power chord riffs are played dynamicaly with punk rock energy but also are present the gentleness displayed with melodic picking. Chad Neptune is constantly present with highly orginal bass riffs. But what really makes FSF is the amazing drum work by Steve Kleisath, who I believe is the best drummer right next to William Goldsmith (Sunny Day Real Estate).
Jason Gleason has come to fill in the ranks of Chris Carabba and from what ive seen at a FSF (if you can go see them live-you wont regret it) he is an amazing replacement, he brings so much life to the band. His singing is beautiful and passionate, and just as equally aggressive at times with emotional screams.
This is an amazing piece of work and you should definetly keep yourself posted on the next record, slated next year 2003!"
Unstoppable
blum | norcal | 04/28/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"although a little underproduced and rough-cut compared to the other two FSF cds, you can still get so much of a sense of talent from these guys. it's a pity that chris carraba couldn't make another cd with them. while he isn't a very good singer technically, he makes up for it with his songwriting ability and his passion.
also for those who listen to dashboard stuff and like the lyrics, you'll probably like these even more. especially New Year's Project and The Bradley. killer lyrics.. very well delivered. musically there's a ton of crazy stuff that you'd only hear if you pay attention, like how in Montacetti has this crazy 6/8 groove, and how in the Bradley they switch meter from 5's to 6's. as seen in the other cd's, FSF's hooks and grooves are so ridiculously creative. you will enjoy this cd for both its poetry and its musicianship."