The idea of combining post-rock and metal music isn’t entirely a foreign concept.  As evidenced by the likes of Klimt 1918, it’s turned into what is called Shoegaze metal, which has benefitted from the recent success of bands such as Alcest and Les Discrets.  While still not quite established as a subgenre of metal, there are bands who are trying to get in on the recent success, with Scotland’s Falloch being one of them.  Formed last year as a duo, they are already out to establish a name for themselves with their debut album Where Distant Spirits Remain.

Falloch’s style of music centers around the shoegaze subgenre, but also incorporates elements of folk and utilizes clean vocals.  On Where Distant Spirits Remain, Falloch does its best to establish an atmosphere, which is something they succeed at for the most part.  The music itself employs a balance of electric and acoustic guitars with some folk instruments thrown in to create a sorrowful feel to the album, as evidenced by “Beyond Embers and the Earth.”  Vocals seem to be a weak point, as it doesn’t truly add to the atmosphere, but it also doesn’t kill off any of the atmosphere, either.  Part of the problem with the vocals is that it doesn’t stand out the way it should, which may be by design, as Ronan Chris Murphy (who also produced albums for King Crimson and Ulver) had a hand in production and mastering of Where Distant Spirits Remain.  Songs such as “The Carrying Light” and “We Are Gathering Dust” are worth the time, particularly for fans of Alcest and Les Discrets.

For a band that started out only recently (Falloch formed last year), Falloch certainly has the polish of a band that has been around for almost a decade.   The music and atmosphere aspects are close to top notch, but as long as the vocals prove to be nothing more than just an accessory, that will be the one thing that holds Falloch back in the long run.  For now, their debut Where Distant Spirits Remain is a solid debut album for a band that figures to have a fairly lengthy run.

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*Comments:

1.  We are Gathering Dust
2.  Beyond Embers and the Earth
3.  Horizons
4.  Where We Believe
5.  The Carrying Light
6.  To Walk Amongst the Dead
7.  Solace

Total playing time: 53:54

Release Date: September 26, 2011
Label: Candlelight Records

Falloch - Where Distant Spirits Remain

Reviewer: Peter

August 2, 2011