Forward Russia - Life Processes Album Review

¡Forward, Russia!
Life Processes
Album Review

Despite it being a clichéd way to review a second album, Life Processes is indeed a more mature offering than previous Forward Russia material. Having said this, it was always pretty obvious that they were a cut above the rabble in terms of their ability to craft songs. Any cheeky band of young monkeys can slap together the chords for a cheeky indie pop number, but an artistic statement takes more integrity and thought. Is that indeed what Life Processes represents? In a word, maybe.

What is certainly is is an engaging exercise in English art rock with a more aggressive and focussed dynamic than Give Me A Wall. 'We Are Grey Matter' is a heavy, aggressive stand out track, but it is complemented by more gentle pop strains as on 'Breaking Standing'.

As an album is feels very cohesive, and has the ability to go the distance in terms of repeated listens. Perhaps the only tragedy is the lack of numerically titled songs. Anyone hoping for Forward Russia to continue into treble figures with song titles will be sadly disappointed.

Richard Edge

3/5