Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Husky’s debut album Forever So is a precisely crafted pop album, filled with songs beautifully arranged around fingerpicked guitar with a continual sense of drive gently pushing the listener through the album. Husky Gawenda’s vocals are impressive in their range and aching croon, and the complementing layered harmonies seamlessly smooth and swell throughout the songs. Accrediting the band’s common inspiration to the classic pop of Leonard Cohen, Paul Simon, and The Beach Boys, this quartet’s greatest strength is their arrangements – gorgeous constructions that surround you in warm, delicate tones, always tasteful, and always (annoyingly) gentle.
Unfortunately, although inspiringly beautiful, there are few moments that last with me from this. The builds are bursting with potential, but they never climax into the triumph I expect – potentially a conscious choice by the band, but I am regularly left wanting more. The melodies are thought through and very pleasing to listen to, but don’t quite ever catch me. A welcome change from summer-pop, Forever So and its gentle beauty (these words cannot be overused describing this album) should be enjoyed on a cool day with a glass of red wine, but once it is finished, you likely won’t remember too many distinct moments. (Sub Pop, subpop.com) Darcy Penner