Chris Forsyth: Evolution Here We Come Album Review – Pitchfork

Like John Cale before him, guitarist and composer Chris Forsyth has evolved along a multifaceted trajectory, expanding his toolkit with each new record. Where his earlier albums relied on intricate, almost hallucinatory, instrumental explorations, 2019s All Time Present redirected his electric improvisations into a more structured song-based format. All Time Present encapsulated Forsyths love for straightforward rocknroll, the logical continuation of his career-long journey from the noise folk of Peeesseye, through the technical art rock of his Solar Motel band, toward a new solo sound that felt equally at home in the studio or on stage.

On his latest album, Evolution Here We Come, Forsyth dials in his unique fusion of tightly constructed instrumental rock and the avant-garde. If All Time Present leaned on the swirling sounds of late 1960s and early 70s psychedelia, Evolution Here We Come embraces the solid state distortion and lightly phased effects of the early 80s. For these seven sharp, efficient tracks, Forsyth enlisted a band equipped to complement his vision: Tortoises Doug McCombs introduces the record with a pillowy, thumping bassline thats quickly recontextualized by drummer Ryan Jewell. Sun Ra disciple and Philadelphia experimental music veteran Marshall Allen also appears, floating over the fray with electronic fragments reminiscent of his mentors Minimoog improvisations.

Co-produced by Darksides Dave Harrington, the album embraces an immersive, underwater sound that stands out in Forsyths catalog. His belief in the endless possibilities of his primary instrument remains consistent, and here, he collaborates with several guitarists who help expand his repertoire. Alongside Garcia Peoples Tom Malach, Bill Nace contributes a sizzling and buzzing accompaniment (listed in the credits as Metal Machine Tashigoto) on Experimental & Professional, while Nick Millevoi plays lap steel on a standout cover of Richard Thompsons Youre Going to Need Somebody. Both guest performances feel like abstractions of Forsyths style on guitar, respectively tapping into the instruments noisier potential and its quieter, pastoral ambience.

The most daring appearance on the record, however, is Forsyths own turn as a frontman. On Youre Going to Need Somebody, he stands squarely and proudly in front of the microphone. Accompanied by husband-and-wife vocalists Steve Wynn and Linda Pitmon, he summons ghosts of early 80s Lou Reed or Tom Verlaine, artists whose work he has always been better at conjuring through his instrumental performances. Swapping their detached sneers for a warm, heartfelt tone, he gives his strongest vocal performance to date. As Forsyth ventures into new territory, hes found a way to bring his influences along for the ride.

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Chris Forsyth: Evolution Here We Come Album Review - Pitchfork