Some times an album from the past has such striking qualities that make it cry out for a retro CD Review in this blog. The most striking thing about Forever 19’s Come As You Were Born album, recorded in 1987, is how fresh it still sounds nearly 35 years after it was recorded. This quintet comprised of singer John Mulchahey, bassist Mike Walker, drummer Russ Hamilton, guitarist Sludge, and keyboardist Maragret Oot established a sound that may have fit in with what was being played and heard at the time. Yet, there is a timelessness to their sonic landscape that could have made them mainstays on the national scene if they had only been in the right place at the right time.
Opening track “Wings Of Decay” finds Mulchahey belting out his angst-filled lyrics with a natural plaintiveness that makes the angst feel all too real. Guitarist “Sludge” pays out a high pitched shriek with his melodic phrase. With the rhythm section driving all of this forward at a neurotic pace, the band sounds like it could be blowing off steam in any decade.
“In Your Eyes” is a less anxious affair. Yet, the tone in Sludge’s guitar melody and the bounce in Mike Walker’s bass make this another seriously played tune. Guitar and bass skip along to an upbeat drum drive from Russ Hamilton as we hear echoes from this band’s contemporaries as well from many bands that have come onto the scene since.
The slow, smoldering swagger of “See Me Now” lets the band showcase its tight ensemble playing Each member contributes something steady, notes that keep running in tandem with each other until there’s a spike from the lead guitar. Sludge executes an edgy melodic phrase that suggests the urgency of police sirens. Meanwhile Mulchahey’s plaintive vocal carries just a tad of hurt, as if he needs people to see him now, at a moment of personal crisis. It’s uncanny how this band can generate energy even when most of them are playing it low key.
“The Hero” utilizes a full chorus of backing coos to fill out its rocking sound. Aside from brisk lead guitar work, a sweet, brittle keyboard line from Maragret Oot, and a rushing, motivational groove, this tune makes huge wings with the band’s voices. Lift comes to this piece each time the two backing vocalists, Hamilton and Walker, lend their smooth, low tenors to the chorus. The remains at that lofty perch while continuing to rock out.
Russ Hamilton ushers us into “Watch The Skies Go Red” with his hip, steady backbeat. Soon after, bassist Mike Walker pumps out a persistent thump, and guitarist Sludge presses out a twitchy lead guitar phrase. Maragret Oot injects swishy synth sounds to complete the mix of eerie and funky. Mulchahey’s understated delivery amidst this plethora of cool adds another layer of allure to this compelling piece. Everything comes together here to make the listener feel he’s been immersed in some kind of dire, end of the world scenario.
“Questions” riffs its way into our consciousness. Mulchahey glides vocally toward his defiant chorus while maintaining an emotive hesitancy. The tension between his technique and his vibe keeps one glued to this number. He springboards off that chorus back into his nervous timbre. The listener can feel his angst about those who want to probe his thoughts a little too deeply. A hard rocking rush of synths and the other instruments perfectly complete the vibe of one who can spontaneously self-destruct. What a ride.
“Beside You” lets Walker showcase his bass guitar riffs, maintaining a flexible, edgy bounce. Mulchahey’s plaintive vocal casually rides alongside that bass and Maragret Oot’s siren keyboard line. It’s the contrast between the restless, rushing instrumentalists and the easeful drift of the lead vocal that make this a listenable piece. Breezy and tense at once, “Beside You” gives the listener a lot to follow along to.
Moving with a motivational beat, “Place In Your Heart” gets a second dose of energy from Mulchahey’s desperate plea for more love from his beloved. The irresistible charisma in his voice is as eerily appealing as the strong guitar tone Sludge continuously picks off. Mood, atmosphere, and energy are all well developed within this song’s elements.
“Pictures” has a sweet, tender inner thread even as the song moves with a driving intensity. The contrast works well to highlight its speedy resolve. A bleating lead guitar line rings out with true emotive power, coupling perfectly with the tension within the lead vocals. With a rolling rhythm section beneath it, this piece packs quite a punch.
Close out track “Sleep” features guest drummer Paul Norris. While Norris keeps a good amount of fills in this song his sound his far different from Hamilton’s. Regardless, this piece moves with the same sleek elegance of the album in general. Bass and lead guitar weave into a loose dance of low end and melody line that make this welcoming and fun. Oot’s swaying synth work and keyboard pep color it even more while keeping it moody and atmospheric.
Forever 19 were onto a good thing back in 1987. With music this good, music that doesn’t feel aged, one can only wonder how far they would have gone if only an A&R person had walked into a Boston venue on a night they were putting on a great show.
