“Forbidden Forever” is the debut single from Australia based vocalist Harlow Reign. She has been performing on stage since the age of three and have extensively toured the Western Suburbs of Melbourne as a part of the rock band Hot Gossip where she gained much her experience performing live.
Composed by Sam Panetta, the keys in the beginning of “Forbidden Forever” set a dark mood as the listener’s first impression, and it is this darkness that I predict will make me revisit this track in the future. The brooding strings add a deep melancholic effect and the percussion is kept slow and light throughout as to not overpower the lead vocals. I really enjoyed Harlow Reign’s deep voice and vocal ability although the vocals have been added to and played around with to provide a blurry and atmospheric effect. Structurally, the track is unconventional as it keeps building on top of itself, flowing from one section to another such that it is difficult to decipher the difference between them before the synth brings things to a dramatic end.
The red and black cover art in complement and enhance the themes of the track. Initially the lyrics by Cass Crawford might come off as convoluted, evoking elements of fantasy in lines like “if we just fly away”, but as confessed by Harlow Reign herself, the track is a modern-day Romeo and Juliet tale. However, the words felt much more like a description rather an explanation for forbiddingness. I wish themes of why things are forbidden were explored more although from the perspective of a person experiencing forbidden love the misperception feels absolutely valid.
Discovering a new artist is always an exciting experience as it can be a symbol of hope for all that it yet to come. I believe Harlow Reign is just getting started with her debut single “Forbidden Forever” and I look forward to witnessing the places she takes her music!