|
 
It’s a rarity to see a group recover from a “sophomore slump.” After a successful Tooth and Nail debut entitled “Crashings," Falling Up were practically poster children for the evolving Christian alternative scene. Unfortunately, their sophomore release, entitled “Dawn Escapes,” fell into that ever so notorious category, spawning a weak radio single and sounding relatively generic throughout, showing little to no innovation. Having lost three of its original members, whom have yet to be replaced, combined with the low sales of their 2nd album, fans began doubting the staying power of the once six-some. “Captiva” is this band’s redemption. Blending a variety of genres, “Captiva” is one of the most unique and artistic albums that the Christian industry has seen in a long time, and it truly showcases the talent that is Falling Up.
The album opens with the oddly titled “A Guide to Marine Life," which fuses progressive melodies with soaring passionate vocals, sending chills down the spine with each listen. After the first song, its obvious “Captiva” is 'something else' and on 'another level'from that which made up “Dawn Escapes,” and further listening confirms this. “Captiva” is made up of truly quality tracks (all of which incorporate unorthodox titles.)
“Helicopters” and “How They Made Cameras” fuse Jesse’s passionate vocals along with the band’s signature progressive rock, while “Goodnight Gravity” and “Hotel Aquarium” serve as more straight forward rock songs, the latter’s conventional song structure making it a perfect candidate for the radio single slot. Surprisingly, “Hotel Aquarium” is one of the weaker tracks on the CD, yet isn’t entirely awful. Another stand out track, “Maps,” mixes acoustic sounds with keyboards, strings, and worshipful lyrics, which showcase the band’s maturity. Highlights include: the opener “A Guide to Marine Life," “Maps," and the powerful and metaphorical “Drago of the Dragons.”
"Captiva" radiates brilliance all around, from its ballad, “Arc to the Achilles” to the quickened tempo, guitar driven “Murexa.” The album reverberates an atmospheric vibe and is original and unparalleled in the Christian music scene. Any fan of “Crashings” should make “Captiva” part of their collection, as it serves as their best work since, and possibly their best work period. For those who have yet to experience that which is Falling Up, pick up “Captiva,” you’re in for a treat.
| Production | 10 | | Lyrics | 9 | | Message | 8 | | Overall Quality
9 |
Release Date: October 2, 2007
Label: BEC Recordings
Track Listing
1. A Guide to Marine Life
2. Hotel Aquarium
3. Goodnight Gravity
4. Captiva
5. Helicopters
6. Maps
7. How They Made Cameras
8. Good Morning Planetarium
9. Murexa
10. Drago of Dragons
11. Arc to the Achilles
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed
