Silent Forum - Domestic Majestic

 

I don't often trail album releases, it isn't what we do, we are about new music, not a PR agency. So an album has to be special to warrant such a step and this is special. It is also a nod to the excellent Welsh label, Libertino, who are Indie saviours.

Silent Forum really encapsulate what this place has always been about. We have forever been melted by quirky, inventive, intelligent Indie Pop and Rock that offers unexpected angular arrangements that are lyrically laced with humour and cynicism.

I don't remember the 80s fondly musically. Of course, there were moments, but they were not the norm. Too much plastic, syndromes and plinkity plonkity synths. It seemed more about dressing up than actually what was being released. I gave up on the UK for a good few years, immersing myself in the IRS scene and such.

Domestic Majestic feels like one of those moments I mentioned, The likes of which XTC, Talking Heads etc unleashed. Albums that made you feel that there were bands who were on your wavelength and capable of rising above the mediocre.

At times, the band remind me of XTC, although they are much more Pop orientated. Ditto The Sugarplastic. But they are even more melodic throughout the song with splendid arrangements and massive choruses.

Silent Forum can even enter light Prog. Listen to Cat Pose and imagine Jon Anderson singing it. Although very much a Guitar band, Petrol Station Flowers is awesome Synth Pop, almost a Torch song. U OK? bursts out the blocks with an almost Goth Rock riff, great great Indie Rock.

Forgive me if I give the impression that this is an 80s album, it isn't, but the vibe is. Lyrics are about the now and incredibly adept and wit laden. For all the cleverness and invention, it is the choruses that grab you most.

Yes Man has an incredible verse, but the chorus is killer. Here's The Email is probably the best thing on show, but this is an album listened to from start to finish and then to be listened to again. An absolute Tour De Force. An album that deserves to be bought, not listened to on some poxy 128 streaming site.

You can buy and listen to the album here. You can find out more about Libertino Records here.

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