Forgotten Door’s six song self-titled EP

Forgotten Door’s six song self-titled EP doesn’t have a single filler throughout the release and each of the band’s six musicians and performers brings a great deal to the table. The band can trace its genesis to the early 1990’s and numerous line-up changes resulted between then and now. This latest iteration of Forgotten Door seems to have found their definitive lineup, however, and the obvious chemistry on display through the tracks attests to this idea. Experienced music devotees are perhaps not accustomed to acts of this ilk hailing from the Las Vegas area, a city known more for crooners and canned between song patter, but Forgotten Door challenges any clichés or preconceptions you may have about the Las Vegas music scene. There isn’t a single disposable track included on this self-titled EP release.

“Masquerade” is an excellent choice for an opening track. There isn’t a single track included on this release that won’t work well in a live setting, but “Masquerade” plays like a possible featured addition to the band’s live set thanks to the five star vocal presentation and the near cinematic aspects of its musical arrangement. Lonnie Danley’s electric guitar is never an omnipresent force during the release, but there isn’t a single song where he doesn’t make his presence felt and help shape the performance in dramatic fashion.

“Far Far Away” is another track with great live performance potential. Chad Sylva’s drumming sets a commanding tone from the outset and the instrumental performances surrounding him are up to the challenge as well. It’s one of the best lyrics included on Forgotten Door’s self-titled EP and, while it wouldn’t work shorn of his musical backing, has literary quality strong enough to qualify as performed poetry. It’s a definite highlight.

“Angie” darkens the EP somewhat as Forgotten Door intensifies the mood of the release thanks to its slowed tempo and Lonnie Danley’s wah wah infused guitar lines bubbling with emotion. The band’s penchant for strong supporting vocals sweetens this track some, but it is far and away the moodiest moment on the release.

“Warm”, the EP’s second to last cut, stands out due to its combination of rough hewn, sometimes dissonant, electric guitar lines and another group vocal that displays the same delicate touch defining much of the collection. The upbeat tempo of the performance comes at a good time in the EP’s running order and Chad Sylva’s drumming once more leads the way with confidence and skill.

The finale “Brand New Day” has a distinctly different demeanor than many of the other songs on this release. There are strong electric guitar contributions from Lonnie Danley throughout the track, but the heart of the cut is acoustic. It makes for a satisfying ending to this release while keeping with the spirit presiding over the preceding five performances. Forgotten Door have a memorable EP release with this self-titled effort that prompts listeners to wonder what they might accomplish with a full length collection. This six song set definitely opens the door to an universe of possibilities.

Nicole Killian