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Woke Up
Falling: Self-Titled
When I first scanned the press release for Woke Up Fallings self-titled new album, my eyes caught the words dreamy-goth pop, and I deemed it nighttime-appropriate. However, I was jolted out of my relaxed state that evening by the screaming of singer Gordie Muscutt, proving as the release ultimately stated that dreamy pop is a thing of the Oregon-based bands past. Instead, for its third release the trio opted to express itself in a post-grunge, Cure-like fashion, with Muscutt howling in a faux-British accent that makes day after day sound like die after die. This mistaken refrain is fitting for the opening track, Fake Your Death, just the beginning of 11 songs unanimously discussing themes of drugs, anger at God and the general struggle to survive. Though the aggression is a new style for Woke Up Falling, it is still their third album, resulting in a sound that is muscular and self-assured. The English spin makes it difficult to understand Muscutt at times, but his wailing comes across as heartfelt and sincere. And reading the lyrics reveals some moments of beauty amid the anger, such as the lines, It takes forever to remember last year or yesterday/but it wouldnt be like me to look past a memory from In Silence. However, Muscutt is also the bands downfall at times. Guitarist Zak Martin and drummer Josh Hill do much to add variety; Martin especially maintains the accessible, melodic hooks that dreamy-goth pop suggests. But though each song starts out differently musically, Muscutt treats almost all of them the exact same way vocally. This is like spending hours fixing different gourmet dishes and then smothering them all with the same spices. By the end of the album, Muscutt has mellowed out a bit and is beginning to tread new ground. The lovely seventh track, Until Our Funeral, sees Muscutt leading the melody instead of screaming an entirely different one. The same goes for Heres Your Pretty, the last and, appropriately, prettiest song on the album. In their quest to escape pop, the group probably doesnt want to be associated with this term but here, the band is in sync. Lets call this one a promising, pop-free awakening for Woke Up Falling.
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