Forward Russia - Life Processes

Forward Russia have come a long way and new album 'Life Processes' stands as testament to this. They open with 'Welcome To The Moment (The Rest Of Your Life)' and Tom Woodhead's very powerful and equally distinctive vocals, which actually distract from the music. This may or may not be good thing, but one thing's for sure, there's no escaping its power and its appeal. Half way through, the track changes direction and becomes quite sweet before gradually growing in intensity by the end, a quality that melts into second track 'We Are Grey Matter' – a definite stand-out track on the album. 'We Are Grey Matter' is a little ambiguous to begin with but do not be fooled, Forward Russia's power clearly lies with Woodhead's vocals and their seemingly uncomplicated melodies, using simple but very effective guitar trickery to the max achieving a massive sound. "You'll be further surprised," it says – indeed! About a third of the way through it changes direction again, this time allowing the music to really breathe before switching yet again towards a sweeter, slower end.

Third track 'A Prospector Can Dream' is a far more raucous and slightly more daring offering than the previous. Forward Russia evidently expect great things to come – "We could be something in a new location/This bitter change could make all the difference" – and why not, with an album this good under their belts.

Another stand-out track is 'Don’t Reinvent What You Don’t Understand' which is very different from the others so far. It jolts and jerks until the chorus where it then becomes bold and frenetic with that unmistakeable layered quality that's found throughout the album. A minor let-down perhaps is the abrupt ending to a quality track. 'Some Buildings' is far slower, far more poignant and very moving. The intro seems a little drawn out at first, but on further plays you begin to realise that it's an intense process of layer upon layer of sound and it gradually builds up into something rather epic. Verse one begins with more of a gentle push as opposed to a shove. Here, the music is really given a great chance to shine, as is perhaps not quite what you thought it would be.

'Gravity and Heat' is another of the album's sweeter moments, at least it is for the first 50 seconds, when it explodes into the first verse and keep the listener on their toes by changing direction the moment comfort sets in. 'Fosbury In Discontent' is a slower number too, and though Woodhead's vocals still stand out, they're far more serene and subdued in their delivery – the track is a great contrast to the rest of the album and is a most welcome change. The music is far more understated and simple, and yet is very effective and moving.

'A Shadow Is A Shadow Is A Shadow' is a darker, atmospheric number that soon explodes into something monstrous and yet quite delicious. The same could be said for final offering 'Spanish Triangles' with its slow and sweetly deceptive beginnings, again with the layered quality and ever-growing intensity and vastness of sound. This is a glorious ending to 'Life Processes'; Forward Russia have out-done themselves – a truly great album from beginning to end.