Artist Info:Discography Album length: 12 tracks: 41 minutes, 47 seconds Street Date: October 25, 2005
After their greatly esteemed freshman album released in 2004, entitled Crashings,
Falling Up is back to release their follow-up, Dawn Escapes. Signed with
BEC Records, Falling Up is a modern Christian rock band hailing from Albany, Oregon. They made their
name known with songs like “Escalates,” “Bittersweet,” “New Hope Generation," and “Symmetry.”
Now, about a year and a half later, Falling Up is releasing an album full of similarities and differences, modern
rock and piano melodies, strong vocals and stunning lyrics, and their notable brief song titles.
Dawn Escapes draws many musical parallels to Crashings, but contains a dozen new
tracks of high-paced rock that focuses on the band's unique worship style. Highlights of the album
include “Moonlite,” “Searchlights,” and “Exhibition,” which will definitely get you off your feet.
Although I enjoyed the album at first, Dawn Escapes seems to be a blunt continuation of
Crashings, with just a few alterations. When first listening to the album, most can
automatically tell that the music is undeniably Falling Up. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can
have its downsides. The album has definitely progressed somewhat musically and lyrically above that of
Crashings; but, for the most part, the sound is still rather familiar. Those who just loved the
sound of their first album will probably love this album also, but those who look for originality
between albums might be a little disappointed. For example, “New Hope Generation” from Crashings
sounds rather similar musically to “Marathons.”
Like Crashings, Dawn Escapes begins with an extensive instrumental introduction
in the first song, “Searchlights.” I found that Dawn Escapes includes the rock/rap/worship
mixture that Falling Up is known for. Most of the songs on this album also start off slower than those on Crashings,
which is an interesting and rather pleasing change. There are more strings and violins present this time around,
along with piano solos like those found in “Exhibition” and “Contact.” The hip-hop and rock melodies
fuel the album's momentum, even when the songs get heavy at times, but are balanced with aspects of
other genres. There are too many bands out there today that try and mix all genres together and they all
end up sounding the same.
Lyrically, Ribordy writes from his heart, wanting the listeners to interact with the music.
Falling Up uses their music as a ministry and a way to worship. Two notable songs are “Intro the Gravity”
and “Contact,” which are slower and more violin and piano driven songs. Ribordy’s distinct voice seems
to be maturing and becoming a lot stronger since Crashings, which adds to this album.
For those who enjoyed Crashings and want to hear more of the same, definitely check out
Dawn Escapes. If you haven’t heard the quickly rising Falling Up yet, and enjoy the likes of
Kutless, Seven Places, Jeremy Camp, or Pillar, you may find a place in your collection for Falling Up.
Although I give Falling Up credit for continuing with their interesting style of modern worship, if you’re
expecting a totally different and unique album than those you have heard before, you may be a little
disappointed. Regardless, Dawn Escapes is worth a listen if you’re looking for a new rap/rock
record to add to your collection.
- Review date: 10/19/05, written by Jessica Vander Loop
Record Label: BEC Recordings
Album length: 12 tracks, 41 minutes and 47 seconds
Street Date: October 25, 2005
Buy It:JfH Music Store
Record Label: BEC Recordings
