A veteran sideman and musical Swiss Army knife to New York indie bands like
Crystal Stilts and
the Ladybug Transistor,
Kyle Forester stepped out on his own in 2016 with a marvelous solo debut brimming with warmly detailed guitar pop and laid-back charm. In the four years since its release, he joined up with fellow Brooklyners
Woods as both a touring member and in the studio where they served as the late
David Berman's backing band on his eponymous 2019
Purple Mountains album. During that time,
Forester also put together his own live band, who join him here on his sophomore album,
Hearts in Gardens. Like his debut, this set marries thoughtful, introspective songwriting with a glowing '70s-inspired tone that speaks of a power pop head and a soft rock heart. The addition of a seasoned band adds a new layer to
Forester's music, especially on well-arranged standouts like "Know What You're Doing" and "Marigold," where each player finds space to have his say while falling in line to complete their leader's distinctive harmonic picture. Robust synths, electric piano, and occasional horn parts punctuate the otherwise guitar-driven songs, which benefit from the capable ears of producer and engineer
Matt Boynton, who recorded
Hearts in Gardens at his Brooklyn studio, Figure 8. As is sometimes the case with artists who have spent much of their career supporting others, there is a genuine humility in
Forester's approach; he's got years of experience, good material, and plenty of confidence, but lacks the showiness of a longtime frontperson. In this case it's an asset. His easy-mannered delivery gives songs like "Strange Vision" and "Up Their Sleeve" a comforting tenderness that only adds to their appeal. While
Hearts in Gardens isn't as immediate a listen as his debut, it's well worth taking the time to get to know.