Simple Forms Explained

Simple Forms is the third studio album by New Zealand indie electronic band The Naked and Famous. It was released on 14 October 2016 by Somewhat Damaged in partnership with Kobalt Label Services.^[2] "Higher" was released as the album's lead single on 8 July 2016.^{[3] [4]}

Critical reception

Matt Collar of AllMusic commented that Simple Forms is "less overtly bombastic than the group's previous work" and "[t]here's a tenderness to the arrangements that feels straightforward and uncluttered", concluding, "Ultimately, if there is a nuanced sophistication to the band's work on Simple Forms, it feels genuine and hard-won."^[5]

Jaymz Clements of Rolling Stone Australia wrote, "At times, [...] it feels like the Naked and Famous are playing musical catch-up, as Simple Forms struggles to move beyond place-holder synth-pop like 'Water Beneath You'. But when Xayalith and former partner Thom Powers team up on the sparkling 'My Energy' and 'Last Forever', their taut, dynamic atmosphere shines."^[6]

Cyclone Wehner of News.com.au felt that "[t]he trouble is that TNAF [...] tend to work to an anthemic formula. And no songs here are as memorable as the early 'Young Blood'."^[7]

Personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Simple Forms.^[8]

The Naked and Famous

• The Naked and Famous – production
• Thomas Powers – production

Additional personnel

• Ken Andrews – mixing
• Carlos de la Garza – live instrumentation engineering
• Joel Kefali – artwork
• Joe LaPorta – mastering
• Sombear – additional production

Release history

Region	Date	Label	Format
New Zealand	14 October 2016	Island		[9] [10]
Australia				[11] [12]
United Kingdom		Somewhat Damaged		[13]
United States				[14]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Facebook . . 8 July 2016.
2. Web site: Geslani . Michelle . The Naked and Famous announce new album, Simple Forms, premiere "Higher" — listen . . 7 July 2016 . 8 July 2016.
3. Web site: The new Naked & Famous album was made in the wake of a painful break-up . . 8 July 2016 . 8 July 2016.
4. Web site: Kobalt Label Services Signs New Zealand Band The Naked And Famous . All Access Music Group . 7 July 2016 . 8 July 2016.
5. Web site: Collar . Matt . Simple Forms – The Naked and Famous . . 29 October 2016.
6. Web site: Clements . Jaymz . Album Review: The Naked and Famous – Simple Forms . . 19 October 2016 . 29 October 2016.
7. Web site: Wehner . Cyclone . Latest Album Reviews: Michael Buble, The Naked and Famous, Nicolas Jaar, Pretenders, The Lemon Twigs . . 20 October 2016 . 29 October 2016.
8. Simple Forms . liner notes . . Somewhat Damaged . 2016 . SDL002CD.
9. Web site: Simple Forms. JB Hi-Fi (New Zealand). 5 March 2018.
10. Web site: Simple Forms. iTunes Store (New Zealand). 14 October 2016 . 5 March 2018.
11. Web site: Simple Forms. JB Hi-Fi (Australia). 5 March 2018.
12. Web site: Simple Forms. iTunes Store (Australia). 14 October 2016 . 5 March 2018.
13. Web site: Simple Forms. iTunes Store (United Kingdom). 14 October 2016 . 5 March 2018.
14. Web site: Simple Forms. iTunes Store (United States). 14 October 2016 . 5 March 2018.