Artist Info:Discography Album length: 13 tracks: 53 minutes, 59 seconds Street Date: September 12, 2006
Falling Up has always had their own way of looking at music, and with their
newest album, Exit Lights, a remix album seems to be just the thing that the boys would be
cooking up. Most remix albums leave you wanting more of the original recording than the new remix, so
is this new release just like the rest, or is it worth your hard-earned money?
First off, Falling Up starts the album with the only new track on the disc, "Islander." The new
song incorporates a distinct rock flavor that is reminiscent of their debut album, but also includes
the mellowness of their newer release, Dawn Escapes. The piano driven track has the signature
Falling Up sound, and is a great addition to the album. The rest of the record is full of hits that
have been remixed by various producers, such as Solomon Olds (Family Force 5), tobyMac, Tedd T., and
Trevor McNevan (TFK, FM Static). One thing that disappointed me with this album, was that there were
three tracks on it which looked to be brand new songs, yet when I listened to them, all they revealed to
be were one new track and two instrumental tracks. Don't get me wrong, the band shows their creativity
on the instrumental tracks, but it might have been good to include a couple new full songs as an
appetizer for fans who can't wait til next year for more music.
Some of the songs were given a harder rock edge ("Exit Calyspan"), while others got a more
stripped down feel, like the haunting keyboards and beats in "Broken Heart." Still others get an
almost techno track to work with, such as "Bittersweet," where they really showcase how much time and
effort went into making the music sound the way it does. Possibly the best track on the album is the
remix for Falling Up's latest single, "Moonlit." The track gets a funky rock beat to go with it, and
includes guest vocalist Solomon Olds (Family Force 5). Olds really brings the FF5 feel wherever he
goes, and in whatever he produces. Another highlight is the "Searchlights" remix, which is a flooded
mix of rock and synth to make for a great track.
One of my only complaints comes on a track I had higher expectations for. "Fearless" (from
Dawn Escapes) was remixed by Trevor McNevan. The major problem with the song is that none of
the original song is included in the remix, and the rock edge is replaced with a continuous piano
that is only drowned out in the final minute of the song. This is the only track that includes
completely new lyrics, except for when it uses part of "Exit Calyspan." The track includes a new
artist, Troma, and also includes a guest segment from McNevan. Trevor really shows his talent as an
artist in this segement, including singing and rapping, but its seems to end prematurely just as he's getting
into the rap. It seems to me the track could have been done a lot better, and feels as if it could have
been just thrown together at the last second.
Overall, this is a decent remix album for the guys of Falling Up, and it shows they have a heart
for the instrumental element of music. Exit Lights is a must for diehard fans, but a possible skip for new fans
of the band.
- Review date: 9/14/06, written by Justin Mabee
Record Label: BEC Recordings
Album length: 13 tracks, 53 minutes, 59 seconds
Street Date: September 12, 2006
Buy It:JfH Music Store
Islander
Exit Calypsan (Into The Ice Cave)
Escalates (Aceramic)
Broken Heart (Ghosts of Seaside)
Circlewinds
Moonlit (Neon Predator) ft. Solomon Olds
Bittersweet (A Jedi Force)
Third Lake
Searchlights (Indoor Soccer)
Fearless (250 And Dark Stars) ft. Troma and Trevor McNevan of TFK
Record Label: BEC Recordings
