Album Review: La Foresta by No Joy
Alright, let’s talk about La Foresta, the 2016 release from No Joy. It’s one of those albums that sneaks up on you—kinda like when you’re walking through an actual forest and suddenly realize how quiet it is, but also how much is alive around you. This isn’t your typical electronic album; it’s got this experimental edge with plenty of drone vibes layered in. Released under Not On Label (yep, they really call themselves that), it feels raw and unpolished in all the right ways.
The album kicks off with “I,” which sets the tone immediately. It’s moody, atmospheric, and honestly? A little haunting. The track builds slowly, pulling you into its world without ever needing to shout for attention. You just... get lost in it. I remember listening to it late at night, headphones on, thinking, “Okay, I’m either gonna fall asleep or have some deep thoughts.” Spoiler alert: Both happened.
Then there’s “II,” which hits different. If “I” is the calm before the storm, “II” is the storm itself. It’s heavier, denser, and feels like it could swallow you whole if you’re not careful. There’s a tension in the layers of sound here, almost like it’s holding its breath until the very last second. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve replayed this track just to figure out where exactly it shifts gears—it’s subtle, but once you catch it, it sticks with you.
What makes La Foresta stand out isn’t just the music itself—it’s how it makes you feel. Listening to it feels like stepping into someone else’s dream, one that’s equal parts beautiful and unsettling. And honestly, isn’t that what good music should do? It doesn’t need to be perfect or shiny; sometimes it just needs to exist in its own weird little corner of the universe.
Oh, fun fact: while writing this review, my cat decided to sit on my keyboard mid-sentence. Maybe she was trying to add her two cents about the album too. Who am I to argue? Anyway, give La Foresta a spin if you’re into stuff that challenges your ears and mind. Just don’t blame me if it messes with your sleep schedule.
