China Forbes - “Bring on the Rain”

Portland, Oregon-based singer-songwriter China Forbes has just sent over “Bring on the Rain,” a delightful, mellifluous morsel from her new LP, The Road.

Some soft piano gets things started, quickly joined by a gentle rhythm section and the shimmering notes from an electric guitar. The vibe is one of introspection, with tremendous hints of melancholy, inviting the listener to utilize “Bring on the Rain” during those much-needed, late-night drives to nowhere– a characteristic that we often look for in the tunes that populate our blog.

Forbes’ confident voice falls into place, bringing with it a certain tenderness and vulnerability akin to Cat Power. A delicate vocal harmony has been deployed on alternating lines of lyrics, woven into the performance to ensure that each of us return to “Bring on the Rain” for multiple listening sessions. This additional layer remains on the refrain, adding a satisfying width to the overall production.

A major highlight within “Bring on the Rain” is the flute mellotron that emerges during the middle eight, imbuing the track with a sense of nostalgia that is bound to deeply resonate with fans of The Beatles. From its melodic bass line to its heartfelt vocal performance, this song is sure to win you over with its wonderful portrayal of longing and reflection.

About the track, Forbes adds: “I had this moment after I decided to get divorced and he moved out. I built a beautiful fire to make sure I could do everything on my own. I was elated. And then I went to see Neko Case perform in September in the middle of a brick plaza under the stars and I was suddenly struck by the fact that I was completely alone. In Portland it was time for the rain to return and I welcomed it. I never loved summer. The rain felt like how I felt inside.”