The power of visualization looms large in the imaginative compositional mind of The Forest Effect’s primary songwriter, Elliot Page. The evocative and viscerally dynamic indie-rock artist looks to its band name as a conceptual beacon for songwriting and arranging. “I try to create an interplay of light and dark tones, like capturing the way the late-afternoon light filters through the layers of the forest,” says the Boston, Massachusetts-based singer, songwriter, guitarist, and educator.

The band — fronted by Elliot and featuring a fluid membership of trusted musicians, including his right-hand man, keyboardist and composer Ben Kuris — uses these expressive effects to bring out the strength and sensitivity in their songs.

Loosely saluting Jimmy Page’s affection for “light and shade”, the Forest Effect’s third EP, My Fractured Display, conjures the bold acoustic explorations on Led Zeppelin III through a modern lens. “This release is special to me because I started with simple acoustic songwriting, and then built up the arrangements with contributions from a lot of friends; and the results show more of the light side in the light/dark dichotomy of The Forest Effect’s sound,” Elliot affirms.

The band’s prior EPs—2017’s Photos on the Shelf and 2019’s Melody Left in Ruin—are darkly majestic, brimming with brawny alt rock-riffage, moody keyboards, and postmodern song arrangements. My Fractured Display, out in 2022, is a more accessible distillation of The Forest Effect’s adventurous musicality. With its acoustic guitar and piano-driven sensibilities, the 5-song EP is a release that harkens back to the immersive joys of vinyl records where you let them play and just lost yourself in the music. This latest EP—like the two prior releases—is self-produced, and mixed by tastemaking engineer Paul Q Kolderie (Radiohead, The Pixies, Portugal. The Man) of Fort Apache fame.

The Forest Effect has been favorably described as “if the guys from Dismemberment Plan met up at Wilco’s loft to play some Black Crowes covers.” The group specializes in a modern version of stately classic rock where songs whisk you away with literate and scene-setting lyrics, imaginative arrangements, virtuosic musicianship, and unforgettable hooks. On record, Elliot sticks to the lyrical side of guitar soloing, but he steps out on an improvisational tightrope when performing live.

Elliot is versed in an eclectic collection of influences, including jazz, modern classical, and world music—though these influences don’t manifest in obvious ways with the music of The Forest Effect. However, he does share different aspects of his musicality with his company Page Music Lessons, which won a prestigious “Best of Boston Award” from Boston Magazine. Built upon Elliot’s efforts to foster a unique community, the school boasts a staff of in-demand musicians who are patient and effective educators, paired with a wonderfully varied roster of students of all ages and skill levels.