Falling Up

Falling Up’s singer, Jessy Ribordy, is leading a double life.

You would think penning and performing electronic-styled rock ‘n roll would be interesting enough, but appearances can be deceiving. When he’s not on stage with the band, Ribordy busies himself writing stories and screenplays. In fact, according to their MySpace page, the name of Falling Up’s new release was born out of the first line of dialogue in his yet-to-be filmed screenplay Neptuenne’s Cavern:

“From one small and seemingly insignificant action, comes a vast and infinite world of reaction.”

Much like the theme and feel of this quote, the screenplay is said to be a fantasy in the style of Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. If all this is true, then Fangs as a record takes on a much deeper meaning as a result of this added layer. The songs are epic, the vocals ring and echo throughout, and the sounds reverberate off each other enough as it is, but all this takes on a more fantastical tone in light of this revelation. Fangs is a journey. It is otherworldly. It is the stage for a war of intergalactic proportions. And yet it is rooted in the same sense of reality and discovery that every one of us must experience as we go through life.

Fangs is not your high schooler’s Falling Up anymore. The band has grown up and has progressed beyond simply making tight radio-ready anthems. The vigorous, driving rhythms of previous efforts has largely been replaced by a more powerful rock sound that feels like it comes from an entirely different place. At times the band is more melodic and introspective (“Panic and Geo-Primaries”), while at other moments they are reaching for the skies with their instruments and voices in ways that defy description (“Streams of Woe at Acheron”). The songs on Fangs are more experimental, more adventurous, more honest, and in a way the overall effect is a more genuine, less obvious record.

God is still with them, and their faith is still a powerful thing, but their expressions of these facts on this record are a lot less overt than previous efforts. Rather than making blatant and somewhat clichéd declarations of their beliefs, this album focuses more on searching for God in the middle of struggle, on resisting temptations and fighting through danger rather than being in a happy-happy-joy-joy place of worship that’s youth pastor- and parent-approved. It’s about getting through the tragedies and learning from the mistakes rather than pretending there are no worries in the world and that everything is safe. It’s not a safe place, but it’s a very real one.

Kudos are in order for the band from top to bottom. Ribordy’s vocals display more range, the guitars shimmer with a greater electricity, the drums thunder and roar without being repetitive, the bass is richer and the synths are not as formulaic. All these things help create a post-rock sound that is towering, and very unlike anything you have heard from Falling Up before. They have chosen quality with these songs rather than cow-towing to the lure of radio singles and instantly consumable-yet-ultimately-forgettable tracks, and for this bold choice they must be applauded.

This is a new chapter in the life of this band, and what a grand first step it is. Fangs is a landmark record for this band, and it should make a mark on you.

Tagged as: Falling Up, Fangs

↓ 3 comments

#1 John Wofford on March 23rd, 2009 at 5:00 pm

Wow. A nine? I actually got sent this album a while back, but I haven’t given it much thought. Will do, now.

#2 Brian on March 23rd, 2009 at 7:06 pm

Yeah, this is some groundbreaking work for the band. I interviewed Jessy recently (hopefully it’ll pop up on the site any day now…?) and got more insight into how the album was created and some of the ideas behind it. It’s definitely a concept album, but it’s one that works in an unusual sort of way. Hopefully the change in direction doesn’t scare off fans (because God knows CCM radio will probably ignore it) because this trip is definitely worth the ride.

#3 grace on March 26th, 2009 at 10:57 pm

woo! go brian. i wasnt a huge fan of the last few albums..have worked with these guys for years, but got a little bored. maybe i’ll re-check them out now. anwyays, nicely written

Does it Resonate with you?

Name (required)

Email (will not be published) (required)

URL