Images via Arlo Pyne //
Just in time for Autumn, Sydney garage rock favourites Forest Hall are back with their heartfelt new track, ‘Summer’s Coming’.
Following on from last year’s ‘Sea Song’, ‘Summer’s Coming’ is another taste of Forest Hall‘s addictive blend of fuzzy, pop-friendly garage rock, which sits somewhere between the sounds of Wavves and Tame Impala. Having spent the last few years building their reputation as one of Sydney’s must-see live acts, the band are gearing up for the release of their debut album, You’ll Take On The World, set to drop later this year.
A sun-soaked, 90s-inspired surf jam, ‘Summer’s Coming’ easily embodies the band’s smooth-sailing, no-fucks ethos. “Summer’s coming now and I don’t know nothing,” Mislav Belobrajdic sings in the opening lines, amidst jangly guitar strums, laconic basslines and energetic drums that chug through effortlessly catchy chord progressions.
Of course, the irony of releasing a feel-good summer hit in Autumn is not lost on the Sydney four-piece. But the song is much less intended as a literal commentary on the changing seasons and more about capturing the essence of a particular feeling. In this case, a reminder that, no matter how dark the clouds, there is always something to be grateful for – a sentiment reminiscent of that hopeful feeling that comes with the approach of summer.
‘Summer’s Coming’ is also a powerful testament to the ability of music to transcend time; how so often, songs written at one moment can come to take on new meaning in another.
The band, along with much of the Sydney music community and beyond, suffered a devastating loss last year with the unexpected passing of Richard ‘Millsy’ Mills, who was an integral member and bassist for Forest Hall.
Millsy was an icon in the Sydney music scene and to all who knew him, a co-founder of Sydney label/events community Psyched As along with Brad Kafer, which has curated countless lineups over the years, bringing together many of the best bands Sydney has to offer.
While ‘Summer’s Coming’ was written long before Millsy’s passing, its lyrics – which remind us to try and overcome the pain and instead hold onto the simple things in life – are strangely fitting, and perfectly embody Millsy’s own exuberant approach to existence.
As such, Forest Hall are dedicating this release to their beloved friend and bassist Millsy, with the track’s artwork featuring a childhood photo of him (sporting a truly iconic ‘shithead’ cap).
“Forest Hall are honoring [Millsy’s] life and legacy by holding onto the good times shared with him and immortalising him forever through their music,” a statement from the band described.
The track is accompanied by a feel-good video shot and edited by Hosher, filmed mostly at the Psyched As house where the band practised, performed and partied together over the years – exactly the kind of memories they now find themselves forever grateful for.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnClyEVO6gA&ab_channel=ForestHall
Forest Hall are set to celebrate the release of the track this weekend with an unmissable single launch on Friday, April 14th at Yulli’s Brews in Alexandria from 9 pm. If you can’t make it, they’ll also be appearing in support of Neighbourhood Void‘s EP launch the following night on Saturday, April 15th at Vic on the Park in Marrickville.
‘Summer’s Coming’ is out on all platforms tomorrow via Psyched As. Grab your copy here.
