although a little underproduced and rough-cut compared to the other two FSF cds, you can still get so much of a sense of talent from these guys. it's a pity that chris carraba couldn't make another cd with them. while he isn't a very good singer technically, he makes up for it with his songwriting ability and his passion.

also for those who listen to dashboard stuff and like the lyrics, you'll probably like these even more. especially New Year's Project and The Bradley. killer lyrics.. very well delivered. musically there's a ton of crazy stuff that you'd only hear if you pay attention, like how in Montacetti has this crazy 6/8 groove, and how in the Bradley they switch meter from 5's to 6's. as seen in the other cd's, FSF's hooks and grooves are so ridiculously creative. you will enjoy this cd for both its poetry and its musicianship.

I know this is a little late to be reviewing this album, but great albums have a life span. This is the best emo-indie-rock album out there. This is the definitive one. No one since then has improved upon what these guys did here. The dudes from strongarm know how to right non-sacharine emo guitar work. The drumming is mind-blowing. And of course the vocals...well, it is the best work of Chris Cabeirra.

Yes, it is emo. Don't care who ya are, it's emo. Jason Gleason definitely did well on this album, it is my favorite emo album. Snowbirds and Townies.... wow.. relates to me so much.

I have been listening to FSF since 2000... this album has NEVER lost replay value. New Year's Project is quite possibly one of the most emotionally meaningful songs I have ever listened to. Lyrics, music, tempo, the guitars grinding perfectly in time with each other; even Chris adds something a lot of other vocalists couldn't. Though Project is my favorite song, these characteristics are at their best on EVERY SINGLE track on this album.

Though it is just my own personal experiences that I can relate to some of the songs, I can almost guarantee that you will find something to relate to on this cd. Even if you don't, they express their feelings through music so well that you almost feel you are experiencing what they are singing about, it's scary.

IMO there are two bands - Further Seems Forever:The Moon is Down, and Further Seems Forever. This is not to say that you shouldn't check out their other cds, I enjoyed How To Start A Fire well enough.


1. Moon is Down (8/10) - My only little qualm about this album is the opening track... I don't really understand what they're trying to get across. But again, powerful music.
2. Bradley (10/10) - Fantastic song with a tingling guitar progression during the chorus that just lifts you up.
3. Snowbirds and Townies (9/10) - To someone with a girlfriend far away...
4. Monachetti (10/10) - Pure anguish. Great ending.
5. Madison Prep (10/10) - There are a lot of songs about lying, but this may be one of the best ever written.
6. New Year's Project (N/A) - I can't rate this song, you just have to listen to it.
7. Just Until Sundown (11/10) - For anyone who has left someone leaving for college.
8. Pictures of Shorelines (9/10) - The song is good, but I love the bridge before the ending.
9. Wearing Thin (10/10) - Fantastic chorus, I wish I could say this to my girl with the emotion he sings it with.
10. New Desert Life (9/10) - A great song, not the best album close-out ever though.

I have never rated an album 5 stars, there is always a song or two that I don't like or some lyrics that are dumb, but this album is raw power and pure genius.

Let me preface this by saying that I completely agree with the review below--this is NOT "emo," or whatever. However, if you're not completely obsessed with Mogwai (or you're just naming bands from fourfa.com to sound smart), then you'll most likely enjoy this album. This is not a corporate version of ANYTHING, simply because this record came out on Tooth & Nail, which is an indie Christian label, as many people know.

That being said, this record is an absolute classic indie rock/pop record. It is by far "emo-killer" Chris Carrabba's best work yet, simply because his voice isn't nearly as irritatingly whiny as his stuff with the Vacant Andys, and isn't close to as polished and formulaic as his Dashboard days. The guitarists are masters in jazz guitar, so they know a thing or two about laying down absolutely stunning guitar lines over each other.

Almost every song on this album is crafted beautifully. If you can look past the Chris Carrabba vocals (or maybe that's your thing, who knows), then this is for you. Just open up your mind and take it as it is: a slightly Christian rock/pop record, not an "emo" one.