Whitney is an American indie-rock band, born from the ashes of Smith Westerns (RIP Glasslands) after that group’s breakup in 2014. Max Kakacek strums, Julien Ehrlich drums (here and in Unknown Mortal Orchestra), and they are again aided on this LP by original rhythm guitarist Ziyad Asrar and producers Bradley Cook (Hiss Golden Messenger) and Jonathan Rado (member of Foxygen, recently produced Weyes Blood and Father John Misty). 2016’s Light Upon The Lake was a sun-kissed country/psyche/indie hybrid, but Forever Turned Around softens their edges even further. Don’t get us wrong, the record isn’t some minimalist statement - it is packed with swooning falsetto, warm keys, and nearly baroque string arrangements, making them sound like a scruffier Belle & Sebastian. “Giving Up” is an immediate example - charming Wurlitzer piano, drums played on their rims, and delicate strumming. “Used To Be Lonely” is a more melancholy tune, pedal steel alongside heady leads and murmuring harmonies. “Friend of Mine” is twangy jangle with bittersweet lyrics, title track “Forever Turned Around” is decorated with brass and string flourishes. This record is pressed on limited edition forest bark colored vinyl, and comes with a printed inner sleeve with full album lyrics.

• forest bark colored vinyl pressing
• includes printed inner sleeve with album lyrics 
• digital download included
• limited edition
• music label: Secretly Canadian 2019

reviewed by HOUSTON 09/2019