Fear Of Falling

Fear Of Falling – Turning Point
Self – Released
Release Date: 03/12/2021
Running Time: 35:44
Review by Beth Jones
9.5/10

A few months ago, I had the chance to review a great EP from South African Hard Rock/ Alternative band, Fear Of Falling. I really enjoyed it for it’s catchiness, and was very pleased to discover that they were going to be releasing an album later in the year! Well, that time has now arrived, and here I am reviewing said album, “Turning Point”. There’s a nice little link there, considering the EP was called “Breaking Point”, and was an exploration of mental health problems. “Turning point” now suggests that from within the despair, a new chapter has arisen, be it in music, or life.

Pleasingly, because I really rather like their sound, musically this album is more of the same from Fear Of Falling. That unmistakably modern sound of Alt Rock, that combines elements of the 90s, with modern samples and technology, and employs everything genre from Grunge to Pop-Punk. One of my favourite tracks, ‘Won’t Let Go’ (which incidentally appeared on the EP too) illustrates this perfectly. I could see it performed by the likes of Greenday back in the 90s, or Neck Deep now. It’s hellishly catchy and upbeat, and I can’t stop myself singing along to it.

But these guys have much more crunch about them than the teenyboppers of the last three decades, and they know how to turn on the heavy. ‘Hate’ is a track that shows this off. It’s down tuned and scuzzy, and the vocals raw and punchy. Actually, from ‘Sunrise’ onwards, this really sums up the album. It’s a kind of mixture of The Foo Fighters, and The Chilli Peppers, just a little more pissed off and jaded than both, with an added dusting of Evergrey.

The album closes with somewhat of a curve ball, in the shape of the stripped back, mostly acoustic track, ‘Home’. This is actually my favourite track on the album. It’s beautiful in its simplicity, and features some wonderful vocal harmonies, and a depth of feeling that you only really get with acoustic numbers.

“Turning Point” is the perfect soundtrack for anyone who’s having a bit of a tough time. Lyrically, it’s really relatable. Musically it’s heavy enough to get a groove on to, and echo and express feelings, but it’s not overly fussy or complex. It’s also mixed and mastered exceptionally. I really hope these guys become a big name globally, because they’re quietly exciting. They’re not reinventing the wheel, they’re just doing what they do, and doing it well. A great album.

Fear Of Falling – End Of Days (Official Audio)

TRACKLISTING:
01. Drive
02. Faded
03. Falling
04. Won’t Let Go
05. Sunrise
06. Breaking Me Down
07. Hate
08. Fake It
09. End Of Days
10. Home

LINE-UP:
Brendon McCaig – Bass
Dale Schnettler – Drums
Jack Atlantic – Vocals
Lloyd Timke – Guitar

LINKS:

Fear Of Falling Promo Pic - Photo by Jerome van Zyl — Photo by Jerome van Zyl

“Breaking Point” EP Review:

Fear Of Falling – Breaking Point EP

Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Beth Jones and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

Fear Of Falling – Breaking Point EP
Self-Released
Release Date: 28/05/2021
Running Time: 21:39
Review by Beth Jones
9.5/10

There’s been some really exciting new music appearing over the fateful year of the 2020 pandemic, and all the chaos that ensued from it. Lockdown has spurred a lot of musicians into a real push to get their music out there and rank up the creativity, which personally I’ve found inspiring, even though the only thing I was spurred into was drinking too much and posting stupid memes on Facebook (my bad, I’m sorry). One of the many wonderments to come out of that terrible period is South African Hard Rock/ Alternative band, Fear Of Falling who have now burst onto the recorded music scene with their debut EP, “Breaking Point”.

Covering themes of depression, anxiety, addiction, and complicated love, this 6 track recording ticks a whole lot of boxes for me, and I can see these guys really making a big impression on the Hard Rock/Alternative scene in the coming months, especially when live shows really kick off again. So much so that I’d be willing to put money on it! They’re already established musicians, with a variety of wins between them in the fields of performance, sound engineering, and production, as individuals. But for me, on the evidence of this EP, their coming together has created that magic alchemy to launch them even further into the stratosphere of global music.

There’s a whole lot of influences going on here which, despite the dark themes, make it a familiar and soothing sound. It’s got smatterings of The Foo Fighters, Seether, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Evergrey, and even a little crossover with mainstream Pop Punk. Now, that kinda shit usually irritates the hell out of me, but here it’s just visible enough to make it really clever. This is an EP that will be equally appreciated across the board, because it will form connections with people who admire a variety of different sounds. That’s something that many just can’t, or don’t want to do, so it’s a big tick from me for having the balls to embrace it.

Musically, it blends really driven guitars, that do dabble in the heavier end occasionally, with tasty rhythms and bass, some lovely synth and sampling work, and vocals that are just gruff enough to be edgy but retain a cleanliness that makes the whole sound crisp and polished. It places anguish in a comfortable blanket, making it relatable. And damn it’s got some catchy choruses. On the second listen, I was singing along, which is always a draw for me. I do love a good singsong, even if it’s melancholy as hell!!

If you like any of the aforementioned bands, or Alternative/Hard Rock that surrounds you with reassurance, despite not being completely the same as that which has gone before, then you need to get all over Fear Of Falling. In a year that’s already held some supremely exciting releases, this is one that I will remember, and I’m already thirsty for more.

‘Fear Of Falling’ (Official Audio)

TRACKLISTING:
01. Sex As A Weapon
02. Fear Of Falling
03. Fake It
04. Numb The Pain
05. End Of Days
06. Won’t Let Go

LINE-UP:
Lloyd Timcke – Guitar
Jack Atlantic – Vocals/ Guitar
Brendon McCaig – Bass
Dale Schnettler – Drums

LINKS: