Love Spirals Downwards’ sole single release was the maxi-CD, Sideways Forest, released by Projekt Records in 1996 just ahead of their third album, Ever. The 2017 digital-only reissue contains the original title track, the Quantum Remix, and the b-side “Amarillo,” plus two additional versions of “Sideways Forest” that were previously unreleased.

“After two albums of layered, interwoven textures evoking dreamlike states of consciousness, Love Spirals Downwards emerge with a distillation of their sumptuous sound on their single ‘Sideways Forest.’ Triggered by the group’s experiences playing live with a more stripped down, acoustic set, on “Sideways Forest” we hear the intrinsic beauty of simple, flowing guitar melody and a lone, singular voice, beckoning listening listeners to embellish the sound in their own minds. The “Quantum Remix” deconstructs these acoustic elements and rebuilds from the song’s foundation, adding sampled and electronic patterns, morphing them into a euphoric journey into trip-ambience. The disc concludes with the instrumental “Amarillo,” echoing themes hinted at on “Sideways Forest,” while uniting the group’s acoustic elements and flowing, open atmospherics.” 

— Projekt Records

CONTEMPORANEOUS REVIEWS:

“Continuing on consistently after Ardor and Idylls, the first EP from Ryan Lum and Suzanne Perry has them once again producing a dreamy mixture of female voice and swirls of guitar. Here, through, and on their wonderful third album Ever, I’d argue they’ve matured and refocussed a bit. “Sideways Forest” is perhaps the most lovely thing they’ve created to date, both nicely grounded and earthy and rising to the ether on jets of blazing guitars. Mesmerizing! 10 lilies.” ~ Dewdrops #16, Brant

“A treat in the form of a Love Spirals Downward CD single containing 3 tracks… “Sideways Forest” is the perfect blend of acoustic guitars and cooing vocals. All the echo-laced strumming and lazy heights distortions are in place and life is good. Then there’s the “quantum remix” version of “Sideways Forest,” which is more interesting and even more pleasant. It treads into fields that have nourished the likes of Bel Canto and Single Gun Theory. A gentle electro feel one might call ether-techno-madrigal-lite, but only if one were prone to fits of hyphenated clichê. Lastly, “Amarillo” returns us to the accustomed domains of LSD’s instrumental bliss, high in the clouds and as fleeting as it always should be. 9 lilies.” ~ Dewdrops #16, Pat

“I’m a bit intrigued by Love Spirals Downwards. The vocalist, Suzanne Perry, has one of those mellow soothing voices that kind of wins you over. There are two versions of “Sideways Forest,” along with a third track, “Amarillo.” The “Sideways Forest” remix explores the trance terrain with a light tapping drum and bass rhythm. It’s rather poppy, and I wouldn’t expect it to come out of the Projekt camp, but nonetheless it definitely reveals that Love Spirals Downwards has the potential to be a million dollar band. “Amarillo” gives us what we expect, dreamy atmospheric music that allows you to conjure up pleasant images –unless, of course, you have a head full of demons Needless to say, the production on this, like all of Projekt’s releases, is top of the line.” ~ Under The Volcano, #36