The Appleseed Cast – “Forever Longing the Golden Sunsets”: Why Mare Vitalis Still Echoes 25 Years On

Who Are The Appleseed Cast?

Formed in Lawrence, Kansas in 1997, The Appleseed Cast emerged as Chris Crisci’s personal take on Midwest emo restlessness. Over nearly three decades and eight full-length records, the band has evolved from raw, basement-show emo to expansive post-rock atmospherics, with Crisci consistently guiding their musical direction.

Line-up changes are practically tradition for The Appleseed Cast. Chris Crisci has joked that the roster has changed more frequently than some indie-scene fanzines. The current touring lineup includes Sean Bergman, Ben Kimball, and Nick Fredrickson, who keep the band’s live shows powerful, allowing Crisci space to continue shaping the band's introspective sound.

Critics first took serious notice when their ambitious double-album Low Level Owl earned a glowing 9.0 from Pitchfork, solidifying The Appleseed Cast as a leading voice in the crossover between emo and atmospheric post-rock. Later albums like Illumination Ritual and The Fleeting Light of Impermanence further cemented their ability to reinvent their sound without losing the emotional depth their fans expect.

Think of The Appleseed Cast as combining Sunny Day Real Estate’s emotional authenticity, Mogwai’s sonic patience, and the hardworking ethos of the Kansas indie scene - a perfect environment for a track like "Forever Longing the Golden Sunsets" to resonate deeply.

Track 3, Track of Hearts: “Forever Longing the Golden Sunsets” on Mare Vitalis

On Mare Vitalis (Deep Elm Records, 2000), "Forever Longing the Golden Sunsets" occupies the crucial third track position - marking the album’s transition from heartfelt emo melodies into deeper post-rock exploration. Critics praised the album for its genuine emotion and innovative guitar textures, often likening it to a Midwestern, emo-inspired counterpart of Radiohead’s OK Computer.

Fans are particularly attached to "Forever Longing the Golden Sunsets" for its emotional subtlety - where shimmering guitar lines, understated drums, and Chris Crisci’s gentle vocal delivery come together to create a mood of reflective yearning. Deep Elm Records still highlights the song on their Bandcamp page, underscoring its lasting appeal.

Vinyl enthusiasts regularly seek out original pressings of Mare Vitalis, with swirl-colored editions becoming valuable collectibles. Even recent reissues, such as clear-with-blue-circle variants, sell out quickly, proving the album’s enduring allure.

Simply put, this track stands at the emotional heart of Mare Vitalis, embodying the introspective, nostalgic spirit that our Text Tease vintage tee captures.

Lyric Deep-Dive: Longing, Nostalgia & Seaside Imagery

"Forever Longing the Golden Sunsets" opens with delicate guitars evoking sunlight reflecting off gentle waves, paired perfectly with Chris Crisci’s poetic imagery. The lyrics transport listeners to memories of winding country roads and ocean vistas bathed in warm sunset gold - scenes that fans often interpret as bittersweet reminiscences of unreachable places and times.

The song’s emotional core lies in a feeling of longing without self-pity, highlighted by the repeated phrase "fallin’ into nothing," suggesting impermanence and nostalgia. Critics continually celebrate the band for pairing honest emotional expression with expansive, layered instrumentation - creating music that is both vast and intimate.

This combination of lyrical poignancy and atmospheric music defines the track’s lasting charm and makes it ideal for quiet, introspective listening. It’s precisely this emotional blend that inspired our vintage-style design for the Text Tease tee.

Live Energy & Josh Baruth’s Drums  -  A Crowd-Staple Breakdown

If you ask dedicated fans about standout moments from The Appleseed Cast concerts, "Forever Longing the Golden Sunsets" is sure to come up. Concert reviews spanning from intimate club shows to reunion tours frequently highlight the track as a pivotal moment where long-time fans reconnect deeply, and newcomers finally experience the magic firsthand.

A significant part of the track’s live impact stems from Josh Baruth’s drumming. Concertgoers often recall how Baruth’s powerful, rhythmic performance amplified the song’s emotional resonance, guiding its sweeping guitars with precision and intensity. Even after his departure from the band, reviewers consistently reference Baruth’s drumming as crucial to the live renditions of the song.

Through changing lineups and countless shows, "Forever Longing the Golden Sunsets" remains a cornerstone of their setlists. A memorable example is a 2013 Austin performance that saw the track paired with the fan-favorite "Fishing the Sky," leaving the audience visibly moved - proof that certain choruses and melodies only grow more potent over time.

From Emo Roots to Atmospheric Giants: The Band’s Influence Map

When The Appleseed Cast began in 1997, they fit comfortably into the heartland emo scene, often drawing comparisons to influential acts like Sunny Day Real Estate. By the time they released the critically acclaimed double-album Low Level Owl in 2001, their sound had expanded dramatically, prompting Pitchfork to label them “America’s closest answer to Radiohead.”

This bold transition from straightforward emo to lush, textured post-rock had a notable impact on the scene, inspiring countless bands who blended emotional vulnerability with atmospheric soundscapes. Online forums and music communities regularly name The Appleseed Cast alongside bands like Moving Mountains, Caspian, and American Football, marking them as pioneers in the emo-to-post-rock evolution.

Their subsequent albums - such as Peregrine, Illumination Ritual, and The Fleeting Light of Impermanence - further showcased their continued growth and relevance. While their music has evolved over the years, the emotional sincerity at its core remains constant, making The Appleseed Cast a lasting influence in the indie-rock community.

FAQ Corner  -  Album? Lyrics? Genre? We’ve Got You

• What album is “Forever Longing the Golden Sunsets” on?
  It’s track 3 on Mare Vitalis, released on February 8, 2000, by Deep Elm Records.
• When did the song come out?
  The song was released with the album on February 8, 2000.
• What genre is The Appleseed Cast?
  Critics typically describe them as emo, indie rock, and post-rock.
• Who’s in the current lineup?
  Christopher Crisci (vocals/guitar), Sean Bergman (guitar), Ben Kimball (bass), Nick Fredrickson (drums).
• Are they touring soon?
  They still tour periodically; check platforms like Songkick or Bandsintown for the latest 2025–26 tour dates.
• Is Mare Vitalis available on vinyl?
  Yes, original pressings and limited reissues can be found on marketplaces like Discogs (though they sell quickly).
• Where can I find official merch?
  Our Text Tease "Forever Longing" vintage tee is available on our website - ethically printed and officially licensed.
• Lyrics / chords?
  Lyrics can be found on Deep Elm’s Bandcamp, and guitar tabs are widely available on sites like Ultimate-Guitar.

Still have questions? Drop them in the comments - we love hearing from quiet fans.

Merch Spotlight  -  Wear the Sunset, Quietly (Coming Soon)

The "Forever Longing" vintage band tee from Text Tease captures the quiet intensity and nostalgic depth that defines The Appleseed Cast’s timeless track. Featuring artwork that evokes the warm hues of sunset from Mare Vitalis, this tee isn’t just merch - it’s a statement about the music that soundtracked your most introspective moments.

As Text Tease Rock gears up for our official launch, we’re prioritizing connection, storytelling, and building a community of true music fans who appreciate authenticity over hype. That means this tee - and others like it - are marked as “coming soon” while we wait for the band's official green light. For now, our focus remains on sharing stories, insights, and conversations that celebrate indie rock’s emotional resonance.

When this tee drops, you’ll get it in premium 100% Airlume combed-ring-spun cotton, ethically produced by Bella+Canvas, with sizes from S–3XL in shades like Army, Asphalt, Black, Dark Grey Heather, and Heather Olive.

Want to stay in the loop? Sign up here for updates ↗ - and send this privately to anyone who still has "Forever Longing the Golden Sunsets" on heavy rotation. Let’s quietly build something meaningful together.