Before the making of this new album Jules Jackson, singer of The Big Moon suffered from a condition which caused her to lose her hearing in one ear. Instead of dwelling on the negatives of this situation, she decided to write songs that focused on the idea of ‘feeling better’ instead. Having had my own issues with my hearing over the past few years, I was intrigued to hear this album ‘Forever’ and have found it to be one of the catchiest, most life-affirming and deeply emotional records of the year.
Part of the writing process involved the band writing songs that would translate well on stage, something positive to focus on for Jules during her recovery. Opener ‘Gravity’ has a really infectious drum beat, creating a groove that works beautifully to reflect the unstoppable feeling of falling in love she’s expressing in the lyrics. The album keeps the tempo up with ‘Three Things’ which celebrates the love of listening to music and how it helps us to connect to that sense of the infinite.
What also makes this album such a great listen is the variety of tempo and tone both between and within songs. ‘Fun’ which starts off slower and then becomes euphoric, before combining the band’s voices together in a beautiful way. The lyrics reflect on the fact that ‘Fun is as complex as misery’ and how important it is to embrace it. One of my favourites on the album is F.O.R.E.V.E.R which is so infectious, reflecting on the eternal mysteries of the universe and proving that sometimes fun songs are just as rewarding as those ‘dark’ ballads.
There are quieter moments on the album, though, like ‘Sounds’ which she began writing after hearing her hearing loss diagnosis, reflecting on all the things that she would lose. There’s something so emotionally devastating in the song, yet that acceptance she goes through helps underline the beauty of the small things in life.
From there we have the most exhilarating, uplifting song on the album, one which already feels like an indie pop classic and comes with a fan-led DIY video. ‘You Remind Me That I’m Dying (and that it’s good to be alive)’ might just be one of the best indie songs about motherhood ever, but what makes it so perfect is that the lyrics really can be about any relationship. Its deliriously catchy chorus just elevates this whole album and band to another level entirely.
‘Speed Bumps’ reframes those struggles in life, they conclude that trying to overcome is pointless, just take the hit and keep crawling forward. ‘Can I Get A Reading Please’ is a song about seeking answers, searching for meaning, the eternal struggle.
Final song ‘Chill’ goes straight for the jugular about motherhood, creativity, love and relationships, reflecting on the importance of finding out who you are and owning it. It’s a powerful end to an album brimming with heart, hope and humanity.
I’ve never connected to The Big Moon’s music before this album, they’ve always been aloof to me for some reason (or I’ve just not given them enough time, maybe). ‘Forever’ just blasted through all my previous misconceptions of the group and shown them to be one of the best indie pop bands we have right now. By finding a deeper well, the band have transformed a potentially devastating experience into an album of fearless F.U.N.
BUY / LIVE: https://www.thebigmoon.co.uk
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