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Live Review: LISTEN: Girls 'Forgiveness' (Live On WNYU)

3 August 2012 | 12:00 pm | Hannah Galvin

Quite an emotive display from Girls members Chris Owens' and JR's when they went live to air on WNYU Radio

"This may come as a surprise to many & has been an issue of much thought for me. My decision was not easy to make. I am leaving Girls. My reasons at this time are personal. I need to do this in order to progress. I will continue to write & record music. More will be announced soon. I thank you all for everything."

I think it's safe to say that every follower of Christopher Owens' personal Twitter account had their heart broken when they scrolled down their home page on 2nd July 2012. The broken tweet (stated above) was difficult to read with the knowledge that indie-rock duo GIRLS would be no more. As a send-off to the disbandment, the outfit's label True Panther Sounds expressed their condolences and gratitude for the band on their website, explaining the faith GIRLS had put into the label and how important they were musically to the members of the label.

To conclude, True Panther uploaded an unreleased version of 'Forgiveness' that was recorded as a part of the band's set for WNYU's The New Afternoon Show that they played all the way back in 2008. Although the track can be found as an extended eight minute song on Father, Son, Holy Ghost, it was this particular version that really spoke to Dean Bein of True Panther Sounds.

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This part of the set was a special moment for all involved as the previously unheard track was opened with JR exclaiming, “We started talking about how cool it would be to play a show with just the two of us and that’s where it all started.” It was at this point in the band's life where things were really starting to take off. They were on their first New York City trip, had just released 'Lust For Life'/'Morning Light' 7” and had played this acoustic, improvised session for the New York University's radio station.

The recording is quite an emotive display of Chris Owens' and JR's songwriting and performance. It features an acoustic guitar, a tambourine and Owens' voice trembling as he showers his audience with such heartfelt expression. It's the kind of song you want to listen to alone with candles lit and incense burning as it's something to be enjoyed between the band and a sole listener.

Listen to the honest, stripped-back version of 'Forgiveness' below.

Words by Hannah Galvin