Finding Joy and Rage in the Fray with Forty Feet Tall
Portland-via-LA breakouts Forty Feet Tall return with their fully-loaded full-length Clean the Cage, out on Le Cèpe records, a collection of punchy post-punk anthems threaded with more subtle soliloquy inviting listeners to traverse these trying times with tenderness and collective release.
The band first cut their teeth together in high school before scattering for college then reconvening in Portland to make music years later. Over time, they have managed to hone an engaging and engrossing sound and stage-presence that feels seasoned, yet not settled, as well as an array of stunning music videos, conceived of mostly by bassist Brett Marquette.
Momentum slowly builds in the first moments of the album’s opening track “Centipede” before a pounding rhythm section, with Ian Kelley on drums, forges a path for frontman Cole Gann’s chant-like lyrics. Guitarist Jack Sehre’s riffs turn to earworms as the pace quickens with stand-out tracks such as “BICEP” and “I Won’t Find Something Better,” sending listeners into a welcomed frenzy.
Just when you’d expect more smashing of the accelerator, Forty Feet switch things up with groovier cuts such as “Wisdom Teeth” and “Safer,” slinking into more sultry undertones that give nod to their long-time producer, Cameron Spies (Spoon Benders, The Shivas). These songs hang in the air like cigarette smoke. The album definitely has that “magic Cam dust” on it, explains Gann. Things pick up again with bangers such as “Pay Stub” and their strong closer, “Clean the Cage.”
Photos shot by Carissa Bedrosian Pereira at Mississippi Studios on June 13th, 2025
The swing between velocity and restraint is perhaps the band’s real trick — showing that fury doesn’t exist without tenderness, and joy means more when it’s hard-won. Channeling their anger into something sweaty and cathartic, Forty Feet insists that rage is unifying, and music is their way of refusing silence. This band elicits the energy that turns mosh pits into communion. With this record, Forty Feet Tall aren’t just flexing their evolution; they’re encouraging you to step into the fray with them.
It’s no wonder they’re about to storm Europe! Album Release is at The Get Down with local besties The Macks and Buddy Wynkoop – two acts equally unafraid to bring the noise – and adds new drummer Logan Hazen (The Apricots) to the mix.
Aug 23rd 8pm $15 adv.
Review by Carissa Bedrosian Pereira
