Former
...and nothing but the truth.
By Lynda
(SugarBuzz Atlanta)
SugarBuzz Magazine
My first SugarBuzz review ever was in 2004 on a band called Bombshell Crush who has sadly since disbanded, and the members have moved onto other endeavors. One such is Nashville-based project fORMER: featuring ex-BC members Denny Smith, Billy Baker, and Henry Go.
fORMER put the ‘power’ in powerpop rock. The songwriting is so tight it makes a virgin seem a little loose. And somehow, despite the constant gentleness in lead singer/guitarist Denny Smith’s voice, there is an intensity that bears strength and confidence, even in the most bitter/angst/pain-filled moments.
If fORMER were a popcorn flavour, it would be that salty sweet kind that contradicts, yet completely balances itself.
Their first major release (although not on a major label) is titled “…and nothing but the truth.” and features Denny Smith on lead (and backing) vocals/guitar, Billy Baker on drums/vocals, Henry Go on bass/vocals, Patrick Miller on guitar, and Lee Coram on keyboards/guitar/vocals. The album is chocked full of upbeat chords, catchy choruses and bridges, and compelling breakdowns.
I hear Rick Springfield (“In the Gray”), The Wildhearts (“Needles and Pins”), Marvelous 3/Butch Walker (“Please”). I hear Better than Ezra (“Downed Again”), 70s jazz funk (“Pretty Little Scar”), and Jellyfish (“Crave”).
The abundance of able voices in the band creates memorable harmonies. Sleek and poppy guitars both tease and captivate. Keyboards switch between crisp punctuations and haunting flattery. Smooth bass licks occasionally trail along or bring the funk.
Gently prodding drums compliment in a way that just makes sense. Meaningful lyrics sung in a tender, and occasionally sorrowful or sexy manner will move even the hardest of hearts.
Overall, the songs are written with a knowledge and understanding of song structure that fellow musicians will be able to appreciate and people that don’t necessarily know how it’s done but “get it” anyway-commonly referred to as ‘fans’, will be able to both appreciate and be captivated by fORMER’s “…and nothing but the truth.”