The Bright
Forever – Hidden In Plain Sight (Blue Button Records)
The Bright Forever is the musical pseudonym of Megan
Hook, a singer-songwriter originally from rural Pennsylvania and now living and
working in Los Angeles. The intriguingly titled “Hidden In Plain Sight” is the
first part of a trilogy of albums to be released in 2013 - the second
collection “Carried Away” has already been released, and the third part
“Starting Over” is currently being recorded.
Whereas “Carried Away” primarily featured songs
written and performed on piano, Hook’s guitar is the predominant instrument
here, and as such, offers new insights into her songwriting and musicianship,
together with the influences that have shaped her as an artist. The dreamy
ambience on “Hidden In Plain Sight” refers back to a late ‘80s / early ‘90s
indie sound, personified by groups like Madder Rose and Mazzy Star, though
Hook’s take is rooted in her songs, and her ability to express a range of
emotions with her exceptional voice.
As with its follow up, “Hidden In Plain Sight” isn’t
an overlong record, but at over 25 minutes, it sticks around long enough to
make its point. Her songs get under the skin in a most agreeable way, and although
there’s nothing here that could be classed as pop (not in the way daytime radio
or the charts understand the word), there’s no shortage of big choruses and
vocal hooks. The title track is a pristine and perfect example of everything
that Hook does right. The production is warm and lush, the drums and cello play
rhythmic tricks, while vocals and guitar swoop and soar. It should feature on a
thousand mixtapes alongside “Everyone's a Labyrinth”, a dark, gothic lullaby to
sooth the most unruly of children.
Phil S.
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