I'm From Barcelona

Forever Today

(Mute)

Record Review by Kevan Peterson

I'm From Barcelona return with Forever Today, an album full of catchy tunes and playful lyrics that at times delves into an elementary-school-like innocence, such as on opening track "Charlie Parker," whose chorus "sing to me now, bird" could be taken literally, or as a tongue in cheek reference to the somewhat derogatory '50s slang for women, if not given the track's name.  Instead, it references the playing of jazz legend Charlie "Yardbird" Parker.

"Get In Line," the first single from the album, is a club anthem about not wanting to stand in line, which is ironic, given that's exactly what you'd have to do to get into a club, unless of course you're a crazy hot bird who can just sashay her way to the front of the line.  "Battleships" lays down the ivory and iron-clad beats to deliver a catchy little number that claims to have "everything you'll need tonight." 

"Always Spring" feels more like Summer at first, a song you might blast with the top down while cruising along the highway, but eventually levels out to a song more well-rounded for all seasons.  "Can See Miles" urges the listener to carefully guard their hearts from those that may hurt them, putting some reason glasses over your love goggles. 

"Come On" layers in the synthesizers without feeling dated, keeping a fresh twist on what could have felt like a flashback track, while follow up tune "Skipping A Beat" fully embraces its kitschy staccato guitar, which creates the centerpiece to one of the album's stronger songs. 
"Dr. Landy," features shout-outs to The Beatles and "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," proving that oldies can still be woven into contemporary material.  "Game Is On" slows things down to a choir-like crawl, with layered vocals and a piano infused lullaby.  The title track closes the album with full bodied horns and an upbeat, positive message that is the staple of most of I'm From Barcelona's repertoire: "Do what you do, and do it all the way. Go where you go, it's gonna be okay."