Review: Forty Feet Tall’s EP ‘Tunnel Vision’

Forty-Feet-Tall_2_credit_Harper-King — Forty Feet Tall. Photo by Harper King.

By Michael Alahverdian, Rock At Night Contributor

Review: Forty Feet Tall’s EP Tunnel Vision-Release date March 24, 2023.

Oscar Wilde once stated, ” Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” That is the quote that most people know and use. But Mr. Wilde’s statement in its entirety has an almost insulting tone as he says, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.”

As I listen to the new EP from Forty Feet Tall, I do not believe they are trying to imitate anyone. I hear whispers of The Kinks, The Who, and B-52’s, among others. Any band would happily take a lick or two from these bands and incorporate them into their songs. Forty Feet Tall do seem to take liberties, but all in all, they are as original as any band.

I find their music refreshing. The band wants to challenge its listeners to like them by doing it their way. As a result, they enjoy stepping onto the edge of what is acceptable to most listeners.

From the opening chords of “Look Both Ways” to the closing chords of “Tunnel Vision, the band is determined to stick to their guns—win or lose.

For the most part, this is a wonderful collection of songs. “We Can’t Go Back To Normal” begins with fantastic Who-like chords that quickly meld into something that sounds like The B-52’s. Another highlight is the tremendous rhythm section of Brett Marquette on bass and Ian Kelley on drums, especially in the song “Sleepwalking.” The bass and drums keep this song moving at a torrid pace, with exciting guitar work from Jack Sehres, and solid vocals from Cole Gann.

Forty Feet Tall, not wanting to rest on the laurels of its past success, continues to grow in their musicianship, experimentation, and songwriting. Still, the passion and message they have delivered will continue in their future releases.

Tracklist
1.“Look Both Ways”
2. “Cherry Blossoms”
3. “Sleepwalking”
4. “We Can’t Go Back To Normal”
5. “Tunnel Vision”