Words: Ray Cobra/Photo: Crissie Hutmire

To me, one of the coolest things about local scenes is watching a band grow. It’s so cool to see. Over the last year and a half, I have gotten to do just that. Not only as a band but as people. Forever Unknown are one of the best up and coming bands in Columbus at the moment. And they have done it the old fashioned way, word of mouth and a good live show. The thing that makes them standout a little more is the support they have not only from their families, school, and friends, but the support from the local music scene. At this rate, the sky is the limit for this young band as they have already played a sold-out show with Bayside, headlined the Steadfast Fest preshow, which also sold-out, and have played quite a few local festivals here in Columbus, such as Comfest and The Arts Festival. And they won a Groove U. contest to help record an EP and make a video. If you don’t know this band yet, then you are missing out.

Micah SD, vocalist of Forever Unknown was kind enough to talk with us about Five Albums. I must say I love the topic she chose. I may have to listen to a few of these the next time I’m having a bad day. I present to you five albums to cure bad days.

Flood-They Might Be Giants

The thing I love about this album is how weird it is. It’s impossible to listen to Whistling in the Dark without being like, “What the hell is happening right now?” and I really love that. It makes bad days feel more manageable, if that makes sense. When I was little, my mom and I used to have They Might be Giants dance parties to this album and those are some of my favorite memories. I just love the happy dance feeling.

The Velvet Underground & Nico 45th anniversary-The Velvet Underground, Nico

Anyone who’s listened to this album knows it’s a masterpiece. Run Run Run is one of my go-to songs on just about any day, and Sunday Morning is the perfect soundtrack song for life if you ask me. When I listen to this album, I feel like I’m walking through the hall in a slo-mo montage from an 80’s movie starring Molly Ringwald and River Phoenix, and that’s truly a wonderful feeling.

My Own Mess-Skegss

I was introduced to Skegss by my boyfriend a while ago and I remember thinking they were kind of strange at first. But I revisited their music a few weeks later because he was so enthusiastic about it and when I got to this album, it clicked. They’re now a band I put on almost every playlist I make. They have such an upbeat sound, it’s like everything I love about rock music, with the heavy drums and loud guitar, but it’s so happy! Plus, seeing them live was one of the best nights of my life and hearing their music always brings up those memories.

How To: Friend, Love, Freefall-Rainbow Kitten Surprise

This album is one that I think I’ve recommended to every single one of my friends. Rainbow Kitten Surprise has such interesting music that always makes me a little bit happier than I was when I started listening to it. Songs like “It’s Called: Freefall” and “Matchbox” are so intricate and eccentric that it’s kind of a nice distraction, and the bouncy guitar and rhythms never fail to put me in a better mood.

Parallel Lines-Blondie

Blondie is one of my favorite bands of all-time and a huge songwriting inspiration for me. Their album “Parallel Lines” has so many different types of songs. “11:59” and “Will Anything Happen” are two in particular that I consider hardcore feel-good dance and sing-along songs. This album is chock-full of songs that I find myself singing loopily in Target when my mom makes me go shopping late at night and I’m tired but in a strangely exhausted bliss because they’re such fun dancey songs! I can’t help but made stupid dramatic expressions when singing them and they always raise my spirits.