ALBUM REVIEW: Notes From A Lost Dog – Tourneforte

Tessellate is the perfect intro track for TOURNEFORTE’s new full-length album. The track, much like the album, kicks off slowly, warming you up with the undeniable Midwest emo sounds of yearning vocals, simplistic guitar notes, and lyrics that hint at heartbreak. As the song picks up speed it’s hard not to find yourself nodding along to the beat.

Notes From A Lost Dog is an album that sometimes plays it safe, following the tried and tested indie-emo formula, something that TOURNEFORTE have perfected. But, the album has a few surprises hidden among the tracks. These are the flashes of inspiration where it feels as though TOURNEFORTE are breaking the mould and trying something new. And it is these moments that keep you listening and coming back for more.

An example of this is the short but sweet powerhouse Uppertunities; this track mixes things up a little, the sound noticeably rawer than the previous tracks. With half-shouted lyrics, layered over more muted vocals and shrieking guitars, the song has a depth not heard on the album yet. It’s a short track, a minute and a half long, but it’s a minute and a half of energy the album uses to catch your full attention. The lyrics, just like the track, have a depth to them that works well for TOURNEFORTE. May First keeps this energy going with singalong sections, staccato guitar, and shaking percussion. This is a track that it’s hard not to imagine hearing live; the energy and interactivity seem built for the stage.

Satellites is another highlight. Unlike the fistful of energy Uppertunities uses to stand out from the crowd, Satellites slows things right down. And it works. The repetitive, blunt drum sounds work like a charm, letting you kick back and enjoy the melodic, mystifying guitar and the storytelling that takes place on this track. Bringing back the layered vocals seen earlier in the album, the track has a weightiness to it that makes you take stock.

Boogs keeps things slowed down, but that doesn’t mean it lacks energy by any means. It’s another track that shows off TOURNEFORTE’s creativity and strength, with guitar playing so simple and effective that you can’t help but marvel at it. Echoing vocals and a singular falsetto moment give the track a haunting feeling, which, tied in with the downtrodden lyrics, are sure to make this song a fan-favourite.

It’s these raw moments that work best for TOURNEFORTE. Tracks like Unrefined and …From A Lost Dog have moments that threaten to cross over into country, with vocal twangs and simple strumming. These refreshing moments give the album serious character and are something we can only hope to see more of from TOURNEFORTE. Notes From A Lost Dog helps build a foundation for what’s to come from TOURNEFORTE, and they’re one to watch as they evolve.

Rating: 7/10

Notes From A Lost Dog is set for release on February 16th via Acrobat Unstable Records.

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