Press
"The impact of the album comes in part from Fortenbery’s clever lyrics, with rich imagery and creative rhyme, delivered with his sometimes unexpected phrasing and unique vocal timbre...A pure Alaskan project, No Such Thing as Forever achieves a universal musical and lyrical appeal."
— No Depression
"Juneau’s Josh Fortenbery has evolved into one of the state’s most formidable songwriters, as evidenced in his newly released album “No Such Thing as Forever.” The album delivers a lush country-bluegrass sound and sharp lyricism, from the starkly reflective ”Heirlooms” to “Sewing the Same Seam,” a toe-tapper that thematically threads inertia and aspiration.”
— Anchorage Daily News
“Based in Juneau, Alaska, Josh Fortenbery draws wisdom and courage from everyday life in isolation like a Nordic John Prine. His singing voice may not be as soft as Prine's in his early years, a little harsher, but the songs move in similar territory, between closeness to nature, social criticism and laconicism. And the same burlesque, grim sense of humor shines through these songs.”
— Rolling Stone Germany (May 2024)
"Deceptively philosophical and sneaking shafts of light between the curtains of darkness, there may be no such thing as forever, but for now, this album promises Josh Fortenbery a bright future."
— KLOF Magazine
“No Such Thing as Forever is a string-band record with sharp, no-nonsense songwriting that humanizes isolation and tedium and draws a line between Fortenbery’s everyday life in Alaska and our own pandemic experiences..”
— Americana Highways
“Recorded in Fortenbery’s adopted hometown of Juneau, Alaska, the album feels sonically intimate, which only enhances the mood of the lyrics, which are self-reflective and framed by the isolation, uncertainty, and frustration of life in our pandemic times. It’s like the guy is spilling his guts just to you.”
— Bandcamp | Best Country Music on Bandcamp, March 2024
"Josh Fortenbery mourns lives lost on his captivating new album
-— Rolling Stone
"Tidy Memorial is a deeply immersive experience shaped by geography, grit, and emotional honesty. Fortenbery’s ability to transform the solitude of Alaska into a crucible for creativity is nothing short of extraordinary.”
— Americana UK
"Throughout Tidy Memorial, Fortenbery is plainspoken like John R. Miller—with a similar predilection for intricate fingerstyle guitar. Even on fuller arrangements like the title track (which evokes Joshua Ray Walker), this record feels intimate. Though they recorded in a cold house in the frigid north, there’s no escaping the live room warmth of these musicians."
— No Depression
“There’s a bit of melancholy, some moments of regret and wistfulness, but overall it reflects the positive side of learning. Layer underneath that a first class, twangy country sound and Tidy Memorial is indeed praiseworthy.”
— Twangville
“When listening to Josh Fortenbery’s new album, though, I couldn’t help but think of John Prine. Outwardly, the two men don’t seem to have much in common – Fortenbery lives in Alaska, he’s Jewish, and he’s never (to the best of my knowledge) delivered mail. But his way of songwriting – sharp observations, the ability (and willingness) to needle himself as much as others, and dashes of humor just when needed – is a trait that’s been in short supply over the past five years.”