The Forest & the Trees Release Poignant New Album [stream]

The Forest & the Trees – You’re in My Skin SoundCloud

Last Monday marked the release of Missions, a dynamic indie-pop record from Joel and Linnea Edin, known collectively as The Forest & the Trees. The Stockholm natives deliver a 10 track record that seethes with optimism and poignant undertones. Cooler, deeper vocals frame harmonious and sufficiently trippy instrumentals. The first track on the album, “You’re in my skin”, opens up the tone with bittersweet lyrics and melodious rhythms.  The song is bouncy, harboring an unhampered energy even as Linnea Sings: “I have to leave everything, but I miss you so, you’re in my skin.” Their theatrical lyrics are backed by pleasant melodies, musically representing those emotionally climatic moments.

Their songs also create images. In “Missions”, the lines “we ride our bikes by the countryside, we used to go for hours side by side,” are enhanced by instrumentals that immaculately soundtrack the described moment. As they voice their romantically rural memory, their harmonies motivate one to abandon those apparently ignored lazy bum tendencies. Though “Missions” is positive, the diverse album also highlights feelings from other internal territories.  They intertwine heart-breaking sounds in their darker track “The Song That Breaks my Heart”, while maintaining a tasteful, funky vibe. The violin and elongated notes create a  “Casablanca-esque” emotionalism, making the track theatrical and interesting. Be sure to keep an eye out for more from this new Swedish duo.