Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review


Falling Up, Hours
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Falling Up
Hours



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 13 tracks
Street Date: July 15, 2013


Ever since Falling Up fell apart (pun intended) early in 2010 and then returned in 2011, they have done things a little differently. They were one of the first major groups connected to CCM to launch a Kickstarter campaign (for Your Sparkling Death Cometh), but, after the campaign and album's success, they changed tactics. Last year, the band surprised fans with news they were releasing two albums and an audiobook over the course of several months. Hours, an experimental rock album, accompanied the audiobook.

While the story of Hours follows a class of orphans as they explore a mysterious gym, the companion album is a non-instrumental soundtrack. The beginning of the album won't catch fans by surprise since it has much in common with Your Sparkling Death Cometh. The first three songs feature a familiar mixture of moody, dreamy, and techno-laced sounds combined with unnecessarily elongated endings. It almost feels like a less enthusiastic repeat of their last effort until "Aeva and the Waving World" appears. The booming song is layered with synth and establishes an unforgettable, ominous atmosphere.

From there, the project picks up traction and never really slows down as Falling Up starts a string of diverse indie rock songs. With its progressing tune and marvelous instrumental finish, "On Growing Things" is terrific, and "Transmission" is a solid alternative rock song with a multi-faceted refrain. Although "Intro The Radio Room" isn't the most complex song, the sheer emotional output in the chorus is stunning, and it proves to be the most appropriate connection with the audiobook. From a track list standpoint, Falling Up has always been upfront about their heavier material before dropping back to their quieter finishers. However, "Prillicians" is fast-paced and guitar-driven from the beginning, and the song revives memories from the days of Dawn Escapes. The finale, "In Echoes Forever," is even more aggressive with an implacable chorus that pushes Jessy Ribordy's vocals to the limit in its final seconds.

Much like Fangs and Falling Up in general, the lyrics on Hours are ambiguous, but there are connections to the main story if you listen long enough. A line here or there strings back to an event or place in the plot, but it still doesn't tell much of a coherent tale. One would have more luck plotting out Fangs on the album alone than one trying to write Hours' storyline with its musical partner. Although there isn't a mention of God, "Finn Hatches A Plan" references the main character's desire to protect a fellow classmate.

Lyrics included, Your Sparkling Death Cometh is probably still Falling Up's strongest work, but Hours features the band's finest, most innovative work to date. Taken without the audiobook, there isn't much of a message to hang a hat on, but the science fiction/supernatural inspired lyrics might inspire daydreaming. On music muscle alone, the album succeeds and proves to be an outstanding addition to Falling Up's experimental rock library.

- Review date: 7/17/13, written by Nathaniel Schexnayder of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Buttons, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase! Save for the holidays with code JFH20 at checkout!

 

. Record Label: None
. Album length: 13 tracks
. Street Date: July 15, 2013
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: fallingup.storenvy.com

  1. The Contract (3:59)
  2. The Climb (6:10)
  3. Finn Hatches a Plan (5:37)
  4. The Rest Will Soon Follow (4:59)
  5. Aeva and the Waving World (6:01)
  6. On Growing Things (6:04)
  7. Intro to the Radio Room (5:47)
  8. The Outsider (5:20)
  9. Blue Ruins (5:09)
  10. Transmission (5:36)
  11. Prillicians (4:49)
  12. In Echoes Forever (4:31)
  13. BONUS SONG: The Station

 

Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Buttons, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase! Save for the holidays with code JFH20 at checkout!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, October 29, 2024
SINGLES
Pipe Bomb Hate Club - Single [The Charon Collective]

This Thursday, October 31, 2024
ALBUMS
Neon Horse Habit of Creature - EP [Velvet Blue Music]

This Friday, November 1, 2024
ALBUMS
AWZY Sinners and Saints - EP [DREAM]
Forrest Frank Child of God (Deluxe) [river house]
Future of Forestry Symphonic Christmas (Live) (independent)
Influence Music It's All About You (independent)
The Kingdom Heirs No Better Time [Sonlite]
Limoblaze Young & Chosen (Power Pack) - EP [Reach]
Paul & Hannah McClure Christmas Morning (Re-Release) [Bethel]
Planetshakers Winning Team: Songs For Church (Live) [Venture3Media]
Skillet Revolution [Atlantic]
Sam's the Hero Charlie Cox - EP [Small Step]
Jim "Soni" Sonefeld Light of Joy - EP [Vere]
Ivan Theva Waiting Here for You - EP [Descendent/Provident]
John Van Deusen Anthem Sprinter [Tooth & Nail]
Phil Wickham Hallelujah! It's Christmas! [Fair Trade]
YWAM Kona Music Missionary Anthem - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
Ayo Shamir, YP aka Young Paul Aaron Judge - Single (independent)
Gabby Barrett O Come, O Come Emmanuel (feat. The Piano Guys) - Single [Warner Music Nashville]
Brennley Brown Mary, Did You Know? - Single [Provident]
Lauren Daigle Then I Will - Single [Centricity]
Dreamers The Reason - Multi-Single [DREAM]
EJ Swavv I Hate Lucy - Single [Syntax]
Jess Ford This is My Jesus - Single (independent)
FYR FYTR So Simple - Single (independent)
Michael Monroe Pour It Out - Single [Provident]
Seph Schlueter We Sing (Joy To The World) [feat. Leanna Crawford] - Single [Provident]
Skye Peterson, Ben Shive Keep the Feast - Single [Getty]
SNT. VINCENT Confession - Single [Syntax]
Cyndi Thompson Silent Night - Single [County Line]
Thrive Worship Hark - Single [Integrity]
Tauren Wells Making Room - Single [Capitol CMG]

VINYL
Skillet Revolution Vinyl [Atlantic]

Next Friday, November 8, 2024
ALBUMS
Gabby Barrett Carols and Candlelight [Warner Music Nashville]
CXMMXNS CXMMXNS Chapter 1 - EP [Essential Worship]
New Hope Oahu There Is One - EP [DREAM]
Neal Morse & The Resonance No Hill For A Climber [InsideOut]
TAKE Time Bomb [Resuscitation Records]
Lauren Talley A Lauren Talley Christmas [Horizon]

SINGLES
Cory Asbury I Hope You Dance - Single [BEC]
Jordan Kauflin, Laura Story Approach, My Soul - Single [Getty]
Sam Bowman & GLADDEN Misfit Toys - Single [DREAM]
Wavorly Enemies - Single (independent)

VINYL
Michael W. Smith Every Christmas Vinyl [Rocketown]
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Vinyl [Frontiers]
TAKE Time Bomb Vinyl [Resuscitation Records]

DVD
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Blu-Ray [Frontiers]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images