Falloch's debut Where Distant Spirits Remain is unendingly impressive. At times solitary, at others heaving with musical magnificence, the dynamics of each instrument is synchronised to support and convey further depth to what is mysterious and magical, simplistic and complex. Opener 'We Are Gathering Dust' brings together such diversity as atmospheric guitars, expansive keyboard soundscapes, huge, mounting grooves, clean, melodic vocals, and traditional folk melodies to create a melancholically optimistic and meditative piece that expresses both power and vulnerability. Absolutely stunning. Out of the dust, 'Beyond Embers and the Earth' gallops, bringing with it another traditional folk melody with flute and acoustic guitars that add further shades to an already colourful album. 'Horizons' is an instrumental track, a flute playing a trilled and fluttered folk melody over a gentle guitar arpeggio and tribal drums. 'Where We Believe' is captivating in its scope and impassioned performance, the last minutes of the song are astounding as they spiral ever higher before passing on to an acoustic section and a beautiful female vocal that closes the piece. 'The Carrying Light', with its Gilmour-esque lead work, is a moving piece that as with the other tracks is a journey through wave on wave on ever-building layers of musical splendour. 'To Walk Amongst The Dead' has a few weak elements here and there but they are far outweighed by the strength of the song, its vigour, and its overwhelming scale. And the comforting cold of the piano work set against a rainy backdrop in the closing instrumental 'Solace' is simply stunning.
There is little to find wrong here. Though not a fan of the vocalist, it can't be denied that Andy's style fits the songs and another approach would've done the songs a great disservice. The songs are coloured with guitar and keyboard lines that both pull against each other and intertwine to become something greater and more majestic than their parts. The bass lines play a supportive and melodic role across the album, sitting in the pocket with the drums and occasionally embellishing the songs with understated yet effective melodic flourish. The drum work also remains understated to the point of not overplaying or saturating the song with any unnecessary beats, rhythms or fills that would detract from the songs. Where Distant Spirits Remain is beautifully crafted with such dynamic control and a plentiful array of diverse atmospheres, airy ambiences, and shifting textures. Taken together, this is an enthralling album.
Track Listing:
- We Are Gathering Dust
- Beyond Embers And The Earth
- Horizons
- Where We Believe
- The Carrying Light
- To Walk Amongst The Dead
- Solace
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
