“Forever So” Husky
Husky is a four-member indie folk band from Australia, headed by lead vocalist and songwriter, Husky Gawenda. Husky is the first Australian band signed by Sub Pop Records. There’s a lot to like here — an extraordinary debut CD. This is not like the majority of indie folk offerings today. The band sounds like Fleet Foxes in places and Sondre Lerche in others. There even hints of Paul Simon or very early Simon & Garfunkel. Smart lyrics, outstanding arrangements that go beyond the obligatory guitar to include nimble keyboards, creative percussion and full orchestration when needed — set “Forever So” apart from other folk efforts. This is one of my favorite CDs of 2012.
— Francis

Recommended: 1, 6, 7, 4, 13, 8, 3, 10. WARNING!! FCCs on Track 12.

1. (4:18) Tidal Wave — Leisurely tempo. Well-crafted lyrics. Lilting melody with lofty vocals. Background harmonies reminiscent of mid-1960s Simon & Garfunkel. ****
2. (3:28) Fake Moustache — Syncopated, galloping in places. A bit jarring following Track 1.
3. (3:53) History’s Door — Lightly tripping with uplifting vocals. **
4. (3:16) The Woods — Guitar-led with intricate keyboards in background. Fully orchestrated. Changes tempo and style in the last minute. ***
5. (4:01) Hunter — Traditional indie folk in the style of Bright Eyes or even C, S & N. Flows into Fleet Foxes-like harmonies in lead breaks. **
6. (2:58) Dark Sea — Scratching guitar, drums and bass create pulsing energy. Gawenda’s vocals soar into high registers. Nice! ****
7. (2:02) Forever So — Finger-picked guitar, with light keyboards. Soft, breathy vocals. Beautiful, but way too short. ***
8. (5:20) Animals & Freaks — Intimate, story-telling style a la Harry Chapin. Introspective lyrics. Song is distinct from all others on CD. Soft, 20-second calliope trail-out at end. **
9. (0:59) Instrumental — Asian-flavored instrumental. If Fleet Foxes can have a random instrumental on its CD, why can’t we?
10. (3:15) Hundred Dollar Suit — Up-tempo, syncopated — like a tune from a musical. Very reminiscent of Sondre Lerche. Can be played continuously into Track 11. **
11. (3:31) How Do You Feel — Playful keyboards and swelling strings color a slower, thoughtful number.
12. (5:14) Don’t Tell Your Mother — FCCs!! “Tell those f-ckers to go to hell” (twice!) Too bad about the FCCs. Very nice, soft and personal, Paul Simon-like tune.
13. (5:20) Farewell (In 3 Parts) — Starts very slowly and softly. Shifts to light and strummy in the middle. Intimate, personal lyrics. Hard to tell where the 3rd part is — maybe the brass at the end? ***