A deeply immersive experience shaped by geography, grit, and emotional honesty.
Josh Fortenbery’s second full-length release, “Tidy Memorial,” is a bold and evocative progression in his self-styled fusion of “neurotic folk” and “existential country.” Building on the introspective spirit of his 2024 debut “No Such Thing as Forever”, this new collection of songs broadens its emotional and sonic scope, shifting from inward reflection to a more expansive contemplation of personal fragility and societal decay.
Fortenbery’s adopted home of Juneau, Alaska, is more than a geographical reference; it’s a palpable presence throughout the album. The stark, wintry landscape seeps into the music’s mood and texture, shaping its atmosphere with a sense of isolation and resilience. Recording took place in unconventional spaces: a modest house repurposed as a mobile studio and a derelict hotel where musicians braved sub-zero conditions, gathering around space heaters to keep their instruments and themselves, functioning. This homespun approach imbues the album with an unvarnished intimacy, a tactile warmth that contrasts beautifully with its thematic chill.
Musically, “Tidy Memorial” marks a notable evolution from Fortenbery’s earlier leanings towards traditional folk and bluegrass. Tracks such as ‘City Lights’ pulse with a lively, country-inflected rhythm, underscored by contemplations on ageing and missed opportunities. The arrangements are lush and nuanced: Erik Clampitt’s pedal steel guitar glides through the mix with a tranquil elegance, while Todd Vierra’s subtle percussion provides a steady emotional anchor, never overpowering but always present.
Vocal harmonies from Kennedy Jo Kruchoski and Taylor Dallas Vidic add a rich layer of depth, lifting the songs with a haunting beauty that lingers. Their contributions are particularly striking on the standout single ‘Nobody Is Pleased,’ a live favourite that delves into the cyclical nature of self-defeating behaviour. The track’s lyrical sharpness is matched by its graceful musical backdrop, creating a poignant juxtaposition of frustration and finesse.
Fortenbery proves himself a perceptive chronicler of contemporary life, dissecting its contradictions (‘Poppy’s Waltz’) with a blend of sardonic humour and heartfelt vulnerability (‘End of the Bargain’). His lyrics are incisive, often cloaked in dry wit that masks deeper emotional truths. He has described each song as mourning something, whether it be personal loss (‘Tidy Memorial’), societal failure(‘Steven’), or the quiet erosion of hope. This thematic thread runs throughout the album, binding its diverse elements into a cohesive narrative.
The songwriting navigates complex emotional terrain, exploring themes of inertia, disconnection, and the uneasy awareness of one’s own flaws.
Ultimately, “Tidy Memorial” is far more than a collection of songs; it’s a deeply immersive experience shaped by geography, grit, and emotional honesty. Fortenbery’s ability to transform the solitude of Alaska into a crucible for creativity is nothing short of extraordinary. His melding of philosophical lyricism, genre-defying instrumentation, and lo-fi production results in a work that feels both profoundly personal and strikingly universal.
Whether you’re drawn to its lyrical candour, its atmospheric soundscapes, or its unfiltered authenticity, “Tidy Memorial” offers a listening experience that resonates long after the final chord fades.
