Album review: Forest Swords “Engravings”

by Stacey Thompson

Matthew Barnes, better known by his stage name Forest Swords, first graced the world with his talent back in 2009 with his underground hit Dagger Paths. The debut album charted in Pitchfork’s Top 50 albums of the year.

The celebration was short-lived however, as Barnes was forced to take a break from his genius due to a hearing problem. He returned to working as a designer/artist and also lent his talent to other musicians such as Haleek Maul, a New York City rapper. Shortly after this Barnes started working on Engravings, with a strong vision and rekindled passion.

The album brings a new spin on UK electronica. Barnes captured the essence of his home on the Wirral Peninsula, which is not too far from Liverpool. Not wanting to spend a great deal of time stuck in a studio, he grabbed a great deal of inspiration from the environment around him.

This LP teleports the mind to something pure and natural, as though you are becoming one with nature. Picking up where Dagger Paths left off, the beats are more pronounced and feel slightly industrial, with fragmented sounds bringing new light to the senses. Barnes spends time learning how to splice sample voices with his own, which creates the feeling of being surrounded by a tribal choir.

Barnes completed the entire album outside, to submerse himself in the organic and natural ways of the world, and it can certainly be felt. Songs such as “An Hour” feel sensual and warm like a bright sunny morning, looking out unto the waves of the beach. “Thor’s Stone” draws upon a local slab of sandstone which was used by the Vikings for sacrifices to their god. The aroma of soil and the bark on the trees can almost be smelled.

The long-awaited Engravings brings layers to the senses and a glimpse into the world in which he lived. Barnes brought to life a vision, a journey through a musical adventure that won’t be forgotten.