FOARN -
FOARN
WORDS BY LEE BARBER
I’ve often made the observation that three piece rock outfit CLKWRK are one of the hardest working bands in the area, but Stoke’s FOARN are making a damn good show of putting themselves up there, kicking down doors of venues and networking their arses off to ensure their debut EP FOARN most certainly plays testament to them being a band who simply doesn’t stop working. The record itself has been some time in the making, with the five piece putting the time into marketing strategies and social media campaigns, along with a carefully calculated selection of beneficial live performances and single releases specifically designed to build up to the main event that is the EP. And already, it looks like it’s paying off.
Having asked them how the band found the process of putting together their debut EP, they hint at the perfectionist attitude they have towards the music, a sentiment which goes a long way in explaining their work ethic.
‘It’s safe to say we have enjoyed every minute of it. From the week we spent recording it together in Liverpool, and the really late finishes we have had mixing it up there with our producer, to the content and marketing we have done alongside it! It has been hard work though as we do have high expectations of ourselves but we think it is worth it!’
‘We feel like the back room stuff involved with a band and the online presence stuff is just as important as the music nowadays. Within FOARN there are 5 of us who play the instruments but really there are 8 members. Ry, Tom and Ben really are the backbone to this band and we sort of don’t know what we would do without them! We are biased but we all just work so well together and everything is a breeze, each of us have something to bring to the table and that is why we are consistent at keeping the content flowing.’
The EP itself is full to the brim of note perfection, with every track offering smooth guitar and bass work, neat and effective drum patterns, and hushed and gentle yet powerful vocals, though when I asked guitarist Alex which song was the bands favourite, the room was divided.
‘Believe it or not we were making some content the other week and we were discussing our personal favourites within the band and we all picked a different tune!’
Having already played the likes of Lymelight Festival, Bet 365 Stadium, as well as sell out shows at The Underground and Artisan Tap, FOARN have quickly asserted themselves as one of the big indie bands in Staffordshire for 2025, and while they’re evidently eager to crack on and waste none of the current momentum, they are quick to remain humble.
‘There is a really optimistic feeling about all of us in the band, the hard work is starting to pay off. Once again we can’t thank enough everyone who listens to our tunes, buys our merch, comes to our shows and supports our band.’
‘It was so nice to see the support that we have all in one room, from friends and family to other musicians from around the area, really makes us think we are onto a winner with this thriving little scene we have!’
Every song on the record has the potential to become an indie anthem, form the chants and riffs of Wild Skies to the reinvented 2005 throwback of Lights, while Mess is like one of them early Oasis B-side tracks you feel will always be one of your low key favourites. If this is just the start for FOARN, and judging by their ambition and determination I’d suggest it definitely is, then it really will be an exciting 2025 for the indie rock five piece.