Press
“Sparse yet intricate melodies ring clear on each track. …Rooftops’ occasional chanted lyrics are simply an additional instrument, adding more depth to the compositions already swirling with fervor.” — CMJ, Jan. 2010 * USA
“Comprising three guitars and drums, this self-described “indie-post-math-rock” band from Bellingham, Wash., debuts with a riffy, mainly instrumental album that’s both highly listenable and well-played.” — Electronic Musician, Jan. 2010 * USA
“An album that is subtle, rich and warm. Without being too elaborate and complicated, A Forest … knows how to deliver a production that enhances the purity of music before the instrumental virtuosity to give us an album 100% organic.” — OCESA, Dec. 2009 * Mexico City, Mexico
“…the album arches over an assemblage of elaborate guitar melodies and flows down into a wide range of aural expressions; math and post rock, sparse vocals and layers upon layers of instrumentation.” — What’s Up Magazine, Dec. 2009 * Bellingham, WA USA
“Sounds of, like fast movement of molecules. A Forest of Polarity — laminated, but the harmonious combination of instruments, elaborate guitar passages, creates a whole new palette of acoustic forms and moods.” — Znaki.fm, Jan. 2010 * Ukraine
ROLLOGRADY: Artist’s Pick the Best Albums of 2009
Benjamin Verdoes — Mt. St. Helen’s Vietnam Band
Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
Rooftops – A Forest of Polarity
Akron/Family – Set Em Wild Set Em Free
Andrew Bird – Noble Beast
Nurses – Apple’s Acre
“The record begins with guitar and percussion rewinding in a beautiful, kaleidoscopic sound collage before the listener is assaulted with air-tight drum hits and frenetic guitar tapping. The gravity eventually gives in to harmonious pop guitar interplay, while the drums go back and forth between hypnotic dirges and head-nodding grooves. All this in the first three tracks.” — Cascadia Weekly, Dec. 2009 * Bellingham, WA USA
“.…my ears are so absorbed into the sounds of fingers jumping around fret boards like they’re playing hopscotch, and these perfect drums, that when the vocals hit, I’m almost surprised to hear them. Quicker than I realize I’m actually hearing three voices, they’re gone, and forgotten, until they reappear down the path and suddenly I’m in an opera house, seeing the Eye of Jupiter and everything that lies between life and death.” — What’s Up Magazine, Dec. 2009 * Bellingham, WA USA
“Rooftops consists of 3 guitarists and 1 drummer. Somehow they make it sound like those numbers are doubled and I think thats why I’ve fallen in love with their new album, A Forest of Polarity.” — M. Gatterdam’s Brain Eruption, Dec. 2009 * USA
“...a bit more aloof, eschewing the “rocking out” for a more obtuse and measured delivery.” — Sound As Language, Oct. 2009 * USA
“…intertwining guitar lines filled with elements of jazz guitar as well as the aforementioned math-rock sensibilities, all while a very meticulous drummer moves things along with intense energy.” — Dryvetyme Online, Apr. 2009 * USA