Forever by Painted Palms (Single)

Two (geographically) distant US cousins serve up an impressive debut single that blends influences from 60s psychedelia and 90s Britpop

The single explodes straight into a lo-fi verse, reminiscent of 90s British indie with the vocals strained but endearing. There is power behind them but it’s suppressed, as they peak and drop in an almost dream-like melody. But before you get carried away with this electro-charged homage to Supergrass, you are treated to a chorus straight out of the 1960s. Despite the obvious American accents, the chorus to Forever is unashamedly British, with a Beatles-inspired hook, chord sequence and harmonies. The second verse introduces a heavily distorted guitar: confident and driving, this welcome addition pushes the song forward. Then, as abruptly as it began, so to does it finish.

It’s a psychedelic slap in the face: mature, self-assured and a stunning prelude to what promise to be an exciting album.

Verdict: A clever, modern take on a genre that still excites, decades on from its conception

Kieron Allen

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.