I Forget reignites OC punk rock with new EP “LOVE¿”
I Forget at the Observatory in Santa Ana in December, opening for TSOL. Photo by Tony Smith
In a time where punk is becoming increasingly commercialized, commodified, and TikTok-ified, a group of Huntington Beach kids by the name of I Forget are bringing an authentic punk rock sound back to Orange County.
I Forget’s self-produced EP LOVE¿ was released December 13, 2024. Simply put, the EP is ten minutes of relentless energy and adrenaline (or beer?) fueled mayhem. Opening with a voicemail to drummer Max Lambert where his buddy declares his undying love for Max and the band (“I showed you my tits, please call me back!”), the EP exudes the vibe of surf and skate culture, rowdy house parties, and youth rebellion. The suburban punk chaos created by SoCal bands that came before them – Black Flag, Agent Orange, Descendents, Pennywise – is present in every aspect of their sound… but not just copied and pasted.
Jackson Morris and Ford Heit shred at a house show.
The EP’s four main tracks bring a fresh, original take to SoCal surf and skatepunk. With a huge guitar sound, tight but frantically paced drums, and scorching vocals, LOVE¿ demonstrates I Forget’s ability to creatively bridge punk influences with their own voices that are young, hilarious, and full of energy. “Nine to Five”, an angry tune with a stomping beat that can summon a circle pit with a single verse, is a critique of the repetitive, “dead-end” lifestyle of their Gen X and Boomer Orange County neighbors. While I realize it’s probably not the point of I Forget’s music to deliver thought-provoking lyrics to be overanalyzed, “Nine to Five’s” class criticism and social commentary contribute to the band’s punk ethos. These lyrics searingly supplied by dirtbiker frontman Ford Heit are unforgettable, despite the band’s name.
“Rhino Pill” brings the EP to a breakneck pace as Max hauls on drums, and “Moving Out” plays with a cool main riff complemented by shred solos from lead guitarist Jackson Morris. But the sickest song of the EP, in my humble opinion, is the irreverent “LA Whore” – one minute and fifty-five seconds of the entire band thrashing and kicking and screaming. Held together by bassist Slater Mello’s punchy bassline, “LA Whore” is everything you want in a punk song: aggression, humor, raunchiness, and loud-ass volume.
Max Lambert holds it down at the Observatory. Photo by Tony Smith
Having caught the attention of SoCal punk legends TSOL, and opening for them at an electric Observatory gig in December, the band seems to be stumbling into the spotlight of their community. But even for those who don’t have the good fortune of living in the OC, I Forget’s LOVE¿ brings all listeners into the band’s world – the unique, high-octane youth culture of Huntington Beach, California. No other place in the world could have produced a sound like I Forget’s.
So please, the next time you’re on the lookout for an Orange County show where you can slam beers and slam dance, don’t forget I Forget.
Keep up with I Forget on Instagram @iforgetband and stream the EP on Spotify!
