(Photo by Ryan Marr)

If used properly, the element of surprise can be a band’s path to success. Forest City Lovers know how to take a song for interesting and unexpected turns, and how to vary their sound enough to keep listeners guessing in a totally fun way. Their newest album, Carriage, is the band’s third full-length, and if the first few singles are any indication, it’s sure to be an interesting indie-pop ride. There are chord changes and instruments galore, all used to keep the rhythm steady and slightly unpredictable. But even when you know where Forest City Lovers are going, it’s still fun to tap your toe and sing along.

The band is based in Toronto, and Carriage is set to be released next week, on Toronto label Out of this Spark, and distributed by uber-awesome Arts & Crafts. FCL employs strings, guitars, keyboards, a banjo and even a glockenspiel, all to great effect. The best comparison I could probably make is some of the earlier output from Illinois outfit Headlights. But with more than a dash of quirkiness.

“Light You Up” By Forest City Lovers (From Carriage, out June 29 on Out of this Spark / Arts & Crafts)

“If I Were A Tree” By Forest City Lovers (From Carriage, out June 29 on Out of this Spark / Arts & Crafts)

“Phodilus & Tyto” By Forest City Lovers (From Carriage, out June 29 on Out of this Spark / Arts & Crafts)

The lovely and simple video for “If I Were A Tree”

–Sean