Morella's Forest apparently went through some changes during the four-year layoff from their last release. The most evident on paper are the personnel changes, but paper is not necessary to hear the difference immediately.
From track 1 - "Running," the listener needs to check the CD case time and time again to make sure this is really the same band that released Ultraphonic Hiss and Super Deluxe. Actually, that is a loaded statement, as it is not the same band. Regardless, this incarnation of players assembled under the moniker Morella's Forest is all about pop tunes. Fans of previous releases will notice the relegation of distortion and fuzz to background sounds, with poppy drums and jangly guitars in the forefront. It's something like the old Morella's Forest minus a large dose of My Bloody Valentine-style fuzz, with then more than a dash of old Sundays or more recent Miss Angie.
Overall, it is a nice listenable release with lots of pop sensibility. However, the lilting and softly-spoken vocals and standard hooks get repetitive after a few songs. Morella's Forest could use some of the droning bite of the past to spice up this offering.
2.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Matt ModrichFour years after leaving Tooth and Nail, Morella's Forest is back with their fourth record Tiny Lights of Heaven. Along with their new labels, Big Beef and Endearing Records, they also have a new sound. When Morella's Forest first began they sounded like a female version of Starflyer 59. But these days they have shed the heavily distorted guitars for bubblegum pop and hushed vocals, which likens…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Ken MuellerAfter a four-year layoff, the kids from Morella's Forest are back on a new set of labels with a slightly modified lineup...and the results are quite nice. Exit the shoegazing of yesteryear and enter a more melodic, indie-pop sensibility. Sydney Rentz's understated vocals will remind some of Beki Hemingway, but with a bit less pop and a bit more of an edge. A beautiful voice that most any guy will…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Olin JenkinsFor those new to Morella's Forest, Tiny Lights of Heaven is pure pop featuring what Big Beef Records calls Sydney Rentz's "beautiful and alluring" vocals. If you're familiar with the band, you may have been disappointed with the vocals being mired underneath instrumentation. Good news: unlike 1996's Ultraphonic Hiss, guitars here are lighter, also bringing a sweet balance to Rentz's voice,…Similar sounding releases
1999BeezewaxSouth of Boredom
2000PJ HarveyStories from the City, Stories from the Sea
2001The Lassie FoundationEl Dorado
1999Kavanah StarWe Can Make It
2003Ambulance LTDAmbulance LTD
2001CushE.P.
