Falling Up – Fangs!
Apr 6, 2009 CD Reviews
Falling Up
Fangs!
BEC Recordings
Grade – B-
Upon the first listen, I immediately felt the “coolness” of this project called Fangs!. I knew from the sounds of “Lotus and the Languorous” that this was going to be different. What I did not know was that it was a concept album based on a sort of science-fiction theme. I just assumed that Falling Up was into using mysterious titles and lyrics as an artistic expression. Which actually is the case, if you consider the premises of telling a sci-fi story through music. However, my first few weeks listening to the project was via the iPod shuffle and without the assistance of the liner notes or biography. When I was completely baffled by the titles and meanings, I began to search a little deeper. That is when I read the bio page on BEC’s web site and all of it started to make more sense.
So you have this wildly imaginative story and some really cool background music. To use a few of the bands self-proclaimed comparisons (from the bio) it is like a Pink Floyd album meets a Lord of the Rings tale. I myself would not go as far as comparing it to Pink Floyd. It’s not quite as abstract or weird as PF. The music is however very cool and multi-layered. The over arching sound is atmospheric with a lot of synthesizer and guitar mixed with spacey vocals. Another part of the multi-layered sound are the numerous instrumental parts that the band admits may be hard to replicate live.
I am drawn to the project more because the music and less because of the story. However, over time, and with a little research on the story, I am sure that it will grow on me. Much like the Reese Roper lead Brave Saint Saturn concept albums, Fangs! makes you think. If you don’t like to work your intellect while listening to music, then just enjoy the sound and forget about the story. The listener is not left completely hanging either. The CD comes with extensive liner notes helping to explain the characters and the story in general.
It will be interesting to see if the band continues with this new style. It is completely possible that they will alienate some of their former fan base or at least turn off potential new fans by taking a chance with a concept album. That may just be a gamble Falling Up (and BEC really) is willing to take in order to make a unique artistic expression as Fangs! is.
- Ken W.
http://www.myspace.com/fallingup
Tags: Falling Up, Fangs!
