Indiana-based alt rock trio Fell Desire are no amateurs to music. Launching in the mid-90's under the name 4 Living Creatures and later becoming Elder before refocusing as the new act Fell Desire, the band has come quite a distance through the years.

Fell Desire's debut album Love is a concept album about the search for love and the discovery of God's love. The album begins with quirky melodies and off-beat harmonies, even including almost creepy rock-opera-esque BGV's on songs like "Still" and "Dwell." "Forgetful Seas" offers a glimpse into more straight-forward modern rock influences with frontman Joe Albanese's vocals rounding out a mid-90's grunge vibe. Metal influences also abound in this unique project as the music is often strangely schizophrenic in composition, sometimes switching styles mid-song for a time. This works only sometimes, however, and mostly lends a disjointed and somewhat sloppy feel to some of the songs (like on "Love Like A Circle"). "A Toast" is one of the stronger tracks on Love, featuring Albanese stretching his vocals further, even making room for his wife Cat to share lead vocals. When listening to Fell Desire, a number of comparisons can be drawn (from Elvis Costello to Counting Crowes), but no single direct one can be made. Fans of music that strays from the norm and pushes the boundaries of what is typically expected on a rock album will appreciate the efforts of Fell Desire. While production limits and somewhat inconsistent vocal qualities hold back some of the tracks from really being as strong as they could (and should) be, Love is still an admirable start for a truly creative band.

- Review date: 12/5/04, written by John DiBiase