ontinuing an already acclaimed musical and spiritual journey that launched in May, ethereal San Diego rock band Future of Forestry will release Travel II, the second six-song EP in its unique three-part Travel series, on September 8, 2009 via Credential Recordings (Switchfoot).

“The last few years of my life brought so many unexpected changes, some of them painful and some of them beautiful,” explains Future of Forestry front man Eric Owyoung. “The Travel series is my poetic narrative of learning how to listen to my heart and embracing what really matters.”

Listeners instantly embraced the first Travel set. StereoTruth.net called it “a musical masterpiece,” while ChristianityToday.com hailed Future of Forestry’s “lovely songs that build to triumphal climaxes and are filled with the confidence that many bands strive for, but few actually achieve.” Indie Vision Music dubbed it “beautiful indie rock . . . some of the finest singing I’ve heard in some time,” and Jesus Freak Hideout was simply “blown away by the single, ‘Traveler’s Song.’”
 
Travel II further showcases the compelling Future of Forestry blend of contemplative lyrics with uncommonly creative, melody-rich alternative rock performances, this time adding standout World Music percussion flourishes on cuts like “Hills of Indigo Blue” and “So Close So Far.” The travel concept resounds with European-flavored sing-song immediacy on “Set Your Sails” and the harder biting “Holiday.” Other tunes include “Slow Your Breath Down” and “Someday.”

Future of Forestry took its name from a C. S. Lewis poem and released the debut album Twilight in 2007. Songs from that project were featured on Oprah’s Big Give and ABC Family Channel’s Wildfire. For more information about the band and Travel II, visit http://www.futureofforestry.com/.

Artist: Future of Forestry
Album: Travel
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
 
As a kid I was rounded up with my brother and sister for the family trip every year, and we were treated to a soundtrack of southern gospel and Kenny Rogers. If only I could’ve had an ipod and Future of Forestry’s Travel, the first of three 6-song travel themed collections coming this year from the band.
 
Each sweeping sonic touch is purposefully placed, and Eric Owyoung’s study of conducting and voice leading at Boston University is put to good use. The songs are written in an accessible structure, with the verses and choruses coming when you should hear them. Yet, this does not confine them. The listener is taken somewhere else, to a place where there is room to think and reflect, and even hope.
 
Fittingly so, the opening track ‘Traveler’s Song’ speaks to the challenge of taking the road less traveled. This path is full of reward, yet knowing that “you will feel it all, the brightest and the darkest.” It shuffles along with a nice melody perfectly suited for glancing out the window. You’ll be hard pressed to do anything but sit up and take notice of the melodic beauty of “Colors In Array,” with its sweeping strings and ambient guitars. Or am I hearing vocals make those sounds? Brilliant.
 
A natural and melancholy acoustic guitar opens “Close Your Eyes,” and is married with a thoughtful, dry vocal. The listener is encouraged and assured this too will pass, and “trust will be your light tonight.” The EP closes with “Halleluiah,” an atmospheric anthem that is at one moment still and quiet, then quickly transforms into an epic chorus of praise.
 
With this first EP of the series, I am left excitedly anticipating what’s to come. The project is experimental and outside-the-box while at the same time being completely accessible.

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) May 5, 2009 – Credential Recordings artist Future of Forestry announces its Travel EP, a six-song collection releasing today. The first of a three-part series, Travel will be followed by Travel II and Travel III over the next twelve months.

Future of Forestry debuts the series with Travel, songs that will provoke contemplation, encourage daydreaming, and deepen perspective on all things beautiful. The project combines both the intelligent rock ’n’ roll and thought-provoking lyrics that fans of Future of Forestry have come to love. Band founder and frontman Eric Owyoung wrote, played, recorded and produced all songs on the EP.

A free download of “Traveler’s Song” will be available on the band’s Myspace page at www.myspace.com/futureofforestry.

“The last few years of my life brought so many unexpected changes, some of them painful and some of them beautiful,” says Owyoung.  “The album ‘Travel’ is my poetic narrative of learning how to listen to my heart and embrace what really matters.”

Future of Forestry quickly made a name for itself following the release of its 2007 debut album Twilight. Taking listeners on a musical journey with its bright optimism and epic, sweeping euro-rock sound, the band left fans wanting more. Future of Forestry’s song “Open Wide” appeared on “Oprah’s Big Give” on ABC in April 2008 and songs “Twilight” and “Speak to Me Gently” were both featured in the ABC Family series “Wildfire.”