Windy City Watch
Oh Chicago, you give us our home, and many great bands. This week So Long Forgotten hits the Watch.
So Long Forgotten are one of those bands that could easily fall into the category of being their own moniker, so long forgotten. With the scores of bands at VFW's and in basements throughout the suburbs of the Midwest - pop punk, screamo, hardcore and the like are a dime a dozen. It's refreshing to find a band that doesn't sound like they are playing inside a tin can or trying to be just another At The Drive In cover band. So Long Forgotten are a five piece band hailing from Champaign, IL (or as I like to call it the kid sister music city of Chicago) that are not only one of the most talented bands in their scene; but also one of the most hardworking bands around. Any band that clearly states, "We will be playing as many shows as possible until our lungs give out." are in it for the long haul.
After releasing their newest album, Beneath Our Noble Heads, last May, the band has been on the road constantly. They are currently opening for As Cities Burn on their East Coast and Midwest tour dates. From just looking at the multitude of shows alone, I have a huge amount of respect for this band. Any musician can tell you that life on the road is tough, and for an unsigned band with no money from a label, you are always giving your heart, soul, money and life back into your music.
But it's not just their drive and road warrior lifestyle that make the band impressive. Besides talented musicianship and tight lyrics, the band balances out and blends different elements of musical genres (pop, punk, rock) impressively, whereas most bands similar to So Long Forgotten fall to the wayside in this department. Many bands tend to rely too much on one aspect of their music, giving you either brash and repetitive guitar licks, or they literally scream lyrics at you for three minutes. Sometimes there is nothing wrong with this, but that type of music is so one dimensional, and thankfully So Long Forgotten rises to the occasion to deliver music that is multi-faceted. While listening to Beneath Our Noble Heads, I can enjoy my abrasive and loud guitars with some intensity in the vocals, but the music doesn't overpower to the point of being annoying. Instead, it simply delivers track after track of impressive and strong work. So Long Forgotten won't be forgotten at all after you check them out.
You'll be able to catch the band coming through town on November 27th at Subterranean with As Cities Burn, and if you can't make that show (and feel like a road trip), the band will be playing around central and northern Illinois throughout December. Check their Myspace for show details. To purchase Beneath Our Noble Heads, you can either buy directly from the band on their Myspace or find them on iTunes.
So Long ForgottenPosted by Lisa White on Nov 06, 2007 @ 12:00 am
