Artist: Tender Forever Album: Wider Label: K

Synopsis: Melanie Valera’s tender voice will lead you into a world of infinite possibilities. The dreamy melodies will pick you up off the ground as if you were floating in mid air in a land of musical utopia. Tender Forever is a solo band with a broad range of instruments, including keyboards and other home-crafted sounds straight from Melanie’s laptop. It is impossible to get bored with these continuous and ever-changing beats. These heart-pounding lyrics take you on a romantic adventure of two friend’s discovery to love. This intimate album will give you a sense of hope and make you want to stick around listening for more.

Recommended Tracks:

2. “Doves vs. Pigeons” – Big bittersweet harmonies, insanely contagious hooks and a turn of phrases, ticking drums and other percussion, catchy!

*4. “How Many” – Shaking maracas, addicting build up and pauses, layers of vocal echoes, mellow keys.

*5. “No One Will Tell No One For Sure” – Very whimsical floating melodies, cool beats that stop and progress, heart pounding percussions sounds like a heart beat at the beginning and end of the song, a rollercoaster of emotions through the instruments in this song, this is the song to jam!

*6. “Nicer If They Tried” – Haunting piano solos, delicate vocals with angelic sighs, a very relaxing mellow song.

7. “Folded Papers” – Soothing vocals, tremulous keyboard chorus, warming melodies.

9. “Heartbroken Forever” – Ghostly instrumental sounds, a great build up in the middle of the song, lovely harmonious vocals.

Rating (1-10): 9

R.I.Y.L.: Fiery Furnaces, Stars, The Postal Service

Reviewed By: April Darner

* - currently being played on KTSW