Forget What I Said by THE SLEEPING CLIFFS feels like a reinterpretation of every convention in the alt-rock genre, giving it a unique sound that stands alone amongst its contemporaries. They utilise traditional alt-rock instrumentation but transform it with an unconventional rhythm and layers of effects. It gives the song an edge and a fresh timbre to match its liminal tonal core.
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Distortion is a key theme throughout the piece. On the guitars and drums, this hiss of sound makes its way into every moment. It gives the track a nostalgic, aged feel, different from the heavy effects on the guitars, making the song sound more modern. This diversity in the timbre provides a sense of musical tension that keeps the listener engaged and reminds us that this track is separate from any other alt-rock experience.
The guitars have a delayed effect, giving them a hypnotic energy. They also feel reversed at points. I am not sure if this is part of the delayed effect or an entirely different sonic choice. It stood out to me because it makes the song feel like it is immersing you in its tapestry. The reversed effect feels like being pulled into the song. It also gives the track a psychedelic angle, further emphasised by the spaced-out distortion I mentioned earlier.
There is a crisp and subtle lead guitar that appears at the quieter sections of the track and a bold, aggressive, distorted guitar that adds energy to the composition, leading it to the high points. There are also several guitars plucking and strumming, filling out the melody with licks and runs while providing more structure to the rhythm with bold strums. Together, these layers create a beautiful distorted wall of sound that defines the song.
Forget What I Said has such a unique sonic signature. That alone would make it worth a listen. However, on top of that, it's an energetic and soulful alt-rock banger that is cathartic to listen to.
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