Review Summary: A fantastic debut that should have done better comercially
If you are familiar with any of Jason Falkner's previous works, be it with power-pop outfit: Jellyfish, or good guy rock band: The Grays, then the majority of the music on this album should not alarm you in any way. Good quality pop songs by a telented young musician.
Debut albums can usually be shoddy, and show lots of room for improvement. However, Falkner laughs in the face of this gesture, by playing all the instruments (minus a guitar overdub on one track) and producing the album by himself, overall revealing a record that is top notch in sound quality and musicianship. In the past, Falkner had disbanded his previous groups, due to lack of songwriting inputs, so it's a breath of fresh air for him to have his own album, and he doesn't disappoint.
The album showcases many highlights with most tracks contrasting largely in songwriting. Album opener "I live" sets a nice tone for what is going to come with some catchy guitar work and imaginative vocal tones, but totally fools you, when "Miracle medicine's" almost frantic playing slaps you in the face. Then, other songs like "Before my heart attacks" and "She goes to bed" showcase with some genius guitar and chords that could have been arranged by beethoven.
Personally, i find it hard to to point out the downfalls to this album, apart from one or two tracks that sound a bit filler, it's truthfully, great pop/rock music. Due to the impact it sadly didn't have, its no classic, but is an essential purchase for anyone who enjoys sitting down with an open mind. If you don't like this, you don't like music.
4.5/5
recommended tracks: Hectified, Don't show me heaven, She goes to bed
