Brand new EP from I Forget Myself

South African-born and now Hong Kong-based artist I Forget Myself has spent more than twenty years chasing the truth inside sound. A singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist with a career that’s crossed continents and styles, he channels the spirit of the independent musician that’s reflective and endlessly creative. His music sits firmly in the alternative rock sphere but carries echoes of a much broader journey shaped by decades of touring, teaching and personal reinvention.

Raised in South Africa with European origins, I Forget Myself’s story is one of an artist in constant development; he spent over a decade performing in bands, touring extensively and opening for international acts, earning the onstage intuition that only comes from years of live experience. Along the way, he signed to a major label and studied under a renowned jazz bassist, building not just his technical talents but also a deep musical curiosity that continues to ripple throughout his work today.

Now based in Hong Kong, he balances life as both a musician and an educator, currently completing his second Master’s Degree in Education. That split path of art and learning mirrors the philosophy at the heart of his music, framing the idea that growth never stops, that creativity is a lifelong dialogue rather than a destination, a perspective that feeds directly into the reflective tone and intellectual contxt of his songwriting.

First unveiling his highly original sonic vision in 2020 with the debut record First Time’s the Charm, over the years since he’s shared an incredible catalogue across multiple full-length releases. Now I Forget Myself brings us his latest release with his brand new EP titled An Exception, a project that distils those decades of experience into something at once familiar and forward-thinking.

It’s a return to what he calls “refined and revitalised rock,” a sound that balances his classic alternative rock background with modern textures and sonic experimentation. Returning collaborator Kyle Reece Williams provides drums throughout, propelling the record with exceptional performance, while the project’s sonic impact comes courtesy of Clint Watts on mixing and mastering.

Kicked off by “The Climb,” layers of flickering guitar notes set up the track as the artist’s smooth vocals glides in to inject intricate melodies via hushed delivery into the crunchy rock arrangement. Gathering pace with the punch of rolling drums, the song flows with charging alternative rock energy to serve up a potent curtain raiser for the EP.

“Bygones” jumps straight into an uptempo rock jam where lively percussion and chugging guitar rhythms form the grooving backdrop for the expressive vocal leads to hover above. Dashed with slick drum fills and exquisite instrumental runs, it’s a spectacular display of I Forget Myself’s songwriting flair and musicianship panache. “Magna Catharis” dials back the energy to craft a more mellow rock scene that swells with fuzzy guitar textures and swaggering riff-focused vibes.

With “I Dream Out An Exception” shakes with dancing guitar leads and robust chords before slipping into a galloping verse cut with instantly catchy vocal hooks and stacks of exhilarating instrumental layers. Floating through a passage of psych-tinged dreaminess where the rattle of marching snare and stretched guitar textures cast a mesmeric soundscape, the track erupts into a flurry of pattering drums and swirling guitar and vocals to serve up a thrilling finale. “Contexts” lands with jittery rhythms and pulsing bass lines, leaning into a hazy art rock sound to lay down a superb close to I Forget Myself’s sensational new EP release.

Listen to An Exception below