Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Falling Edge

Greetings fellow progheads...if you are in cold weather country, I hope you are finding ways to stay warm as the weather starts to match the pictures on the Hallmark Christmas cards.  If you reside in a warmer climate, please don't tell me.  Meanwhile, keeping the closet filled with lit candles has enabled me to stay comfortable, and finding all this new and fantastic progressive music has allowed me to keep the heat on without using the thermostat...

This week as I was rummaging through bin after bin in my search for all things prog I discovered some great music from yet another new prog band on the scene...so tonight we mingle with a band called "Falling Edge." Falling Edge is another prog band that pays homage to classics past while blazing a trail of their own.  An exciting band with a unique sound, Falling Edge manages to keep one finger on the pulse of progressive music while meandering as close to the edge as they dare.

I start this week with a tune called "Crippled By Fear."  The opening reminds me of some early Jethro Tull blended with a hint of Gentle Giant.  The guitar is soothing as it blends right into melodic keys and the percussion that is just enough to lead the charge.  The mood in the first few minutes glides from comforting to a more opium-like calm...I feel like a time traveler moving from 16th century Shakespeare through the Haight-Ashbury district of the 1960's set to a backdrop of sound that presents so many opportunities--and nothing to be afraid of.  I do believe this trip will be a fun learning experience...

Next up is a song called " Not That Far Away."  The vocals remind me of the Strawbs; Falling Edge is definitely a band able to change identity from song to song, a trait I find refreshing--perhaps because it is so rare today.  The guitar and drums work so well together in this song, as though Kevin and Chris have a mind-meld going on...

Liner Notes...Falling Edge began in 2004 with founding members Chris Rupert on vocals and guitar, Kevin Tetreault on drums and vocals, and Don McClellan on bass and vocals.  In 2005, one year into building their identity, Tim Bork joined the band on keyboards.  While working on the debut album, Falling Edge went through the obligatory growing and learning pains...Don and Tim left the band and the hunt was on for a bassist and keyboard player.  Several auditions, tryouts, sit-ins, and rehearsals later, Jim Walsh found himself a permanent gig in 2009  as bass player for Falling Edge.  Steve Kubica rounded out the talent pool in 2010, taking on the role of keyboardist for the band .  Thus was born a progressive rock band in the six year blink of an eye.  Like a fine wine, the time spent blending and assembling Falling Edge was not wasted or ill advised...and the final flavor is a testament to excellent craftsmanship.

My third serving of Falling Edge is a tune called "I, Awake."  This particular song is more upbeat compared to what I have heard of Falling Edge thus far, and like the others it has many time, tempo, and mood changes.  A subtle sense of Emerson, Lake, and Palmer seems to flow through the keyboards on this tune.  Falling Edge is able to align itself with the masters of prog while staking out their own territory at the same time...a statement to their musical knowledge, appreciation, and abilities.  Falling Edge may be a newcomer to the prog scene, but I believe they will be mentoring the next wave of progressive bands when they start to spread their wings. Falling Edge has a sound that should stir the emotions of any current prog fan and stand the test of time for future generations to appreciate.

The cut below is "Social Engineering."  The opening riff tells you Falling Edge is not afraid to leap right in, and as the song plays out you will feel as though you have spent the past fifteen minutes traveling through a prog time warp...and when it ends you want to get right back in line.  While the guitars get you riled up, the drums keep you grounded, the keyboards resonate on the back of your mind, and the vocals jab you at random moments.  A great introduction to a different road on the progressive music map.



OK my fellow progheads, I hope this week's listen behind the curtain to another new prog sound was as much fun for you as it was for me.  Ironic is the fact that but a few short months ago I thought progressive music was stuck in a rut resting on its laurels...so glad I decided to take a look-see for myself because prog is sailing light years ahead of the rest of the music scene.  Check out the Falling Edge website at www.fallingedgemusic.com to learn more about the band.

Because I refuse to succumb to the nasty weather that is approaching on all sides, I will continue my search for new and exciting progressive music.  Until next week...












No comments:

Post a Comment