FORM was one of the first additions to the Darkness Calling playlist last year — a group that I actually just happened to stumble upon through Spotify.
Upon listening to their album Defiance + Entropy, I knew right away that they would be a good fit for the “vibe” I’ve tried to cultivate here. Their music is laden with gorgeous synths and soaring vocals from Mark Bebb. If you like the idea of a Depeche Mode with more falsetto, this is the band for you.
Apparently, my comparison is an apt one, as I’ve just learned that FORM’s Keith Trigwell was attached to a Depeche Mode tribute act known as The Devout. Producer Rob Dust rounds out the trio, and he’s worked with a variety of synth giants, such as Alphaville.
Today marks the release of their new album This World Is Ours.
It’s a shimmering, glittery affair for the most part (in the best way possible), but my favorite moments are the ones where FORM slows things down a bit and wanders into more somber territory.
“Here” might be my favorite track as it represents the best of both. It’s undeniably catchy and impossible not to dance to, yet there’s a real heartache to the track that hits me right in the gut. (And I’m a sucker for any song that can pull off words like “cryostasis” and own it 100%)
“Between worlds
Frozen here, in love’s cryostasis
Between worlds
Waiting here for something
To re-animate me
Will I always be here?”
Another favorite of mine is “Protector,” which seems to represent the mourning of a lost parent or guardian angel. I love the spacey drums and melodic, haunting piano. And you can feel the heartache behind these words:
“Today is the day that I died —
No one left behind my eyes
’Cause I’m dead on the inside”
But if sad songs aren’t really your thing, don’t fear. This album is filled with club-ready bangers as well. “Viva” is a pulsing track that champions the non-binary, “Glitter” is a sassy Depeche Mode-inspired romp, and there really aren’t any skippable tracks on this collection of songs.
Don’t believe me? Sample the whole thing below on Spotify, or support the artists by purchasing This World Is Ours on Bandcamp.
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