After The Fall -Always.Forever.Now

Mon 22nd Aug, 2005 in Music Reviews

Following the undeniable buzz of their self-titled debut album last year, central coasters After The Fall had a lot to live up to with the release of their second full-length, Always.Forever.Now. Fortunately the progression came easily for the quintet, demonstrating their steadfast knack for creating infectiously catchy rock tunes that will get in your head and stay there.

According to the band, After the Fall are as much influenced by The Angels, AC/DC or Midnight Oil as they are by their modern day punk rock contemporaries, and this is what defines their distinctive sound.

A high level of zest is present right from the beginning with album opener Outta’ Mind, a smooth, melodious tune that leads effortlessly into the dynamic second track, Free Yourself, featuring odd time signatures and notable tom work to add another interesting facet to an overall top song. 

Triple J favourite, Concrete Boots, pops up with compelling vocals showcasing singer Benjamin Windsor’s extensive ability and vast vocal range, along with enticing guitar driven hooks making it thoroughly mosh-pit friendly. Newcomer to the airwaves, The Fighter, starts out rather restrained and passive, building effectively to a zealous, anthem-like chorus with the expressive lyrics:

“Cos I am the fighter, and you are the fists that bruise my face.
This burning desire, her innocence is such a waste”.

The highly energetic Hey Mister is a stand out track on the record because it seems to condense everything the band are about into one three-minute song. This one’s got it all – hard hitting cymbals, upbeat guitar riffs mixed with rock ‘n’ roll mini solos, matched with impeccable vocal harmonies sung with power and passion.

This uplifting vibe carries on to the next track, Destination Unknown, before breaking things down into the slightly longer and slower paced emotional ballad Lonely, Lonely including poignant lyrics like:
 
“Black are my lungs, deflated inside.
 Gasping for air, in you they confide”.

A Friend Named Karma is a full blown modern rock number, complete with gritty background vocals and a drum beat to clap your hands to, it is short and straight to the point. Subsequent track Not Enough begins with wailing guitars and a tight rhythm section soon busts in to hold the song together.  

The refined Voices has a rhythmical melody making it very easy on the ear, leading into final track, Midnight Pain, a leisurely paced alternative piece in which the band take a step back with a more mellow style.

With recent appearances on cable television and at the SXSW Music Festival in the United States, along with high rotation radio play here in Australia and songs appearing on Channel 7 soap Home and Away, Always.Forever.Now should see After The Fall being pushed even further into the well-deserved spotlight.

After The Fall have built up quite a reputation for themselves over the past few years through such solid work and talent displayed on recordings, but also as an impressive live act not to be missed. The band are currently on tour around the country promoting their new long player so be sure to go along and support this great Aussie rock group!