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When you have such high hopes for a forthcoming album release, ‘In Case of the Flood’, on the strength of falling in love with an earlier single release, namely ‘Before The light Goes’ it is with fevering anticipation and a giggly boy at Christmas feel inside that ensues upon removing the CD from case and transferring over to the stereo. Sitting comfortably I await a wash of cinematic sounds that are two shades shy of prog' to hit the walls and reverberate around all the spaces that objects do not fill. The opener is promising from the outset, sounding like it was cut from the fabric of Broken Social Scene and embroided with a Jeremy Warmsleyesque choppy percussion, things are looking up indeed. As ‘When We are Gone’ progresses the epic and distinctive Fallout Trust wave of guitars that just completely go off on one rise to the fore.
The Fallout Trust are unashamed of their influences and Bowie and Iggy and other such heroes of their time are certainly evident. For modern day comparisons, because everyone loves a yard stick for comparison, Apartment, Editors and any pick of the current tidal wave of Canadian Indie bands that are making one heck of an impression not seen since Seattle and its grunge fellowship. The band are an exciting and industrious six piece that also combine a love for graphic design and utilise such concepts in their videos and other projects. Hailing from East London via a trip of discovery to Berlin and back our heroes bonded over a shared vision to create and create they have. ‘Before The Light Goes’ is THE standout track that ambles along with bass before keys and soft vocal are brought to the table. Layer upon layer is added to create a dynamic tapestry of sounds that go from softly softly to a crescendo of noise and pace which becomes so frantic and paranoid. Catharsis never sounded so bleak than when Joe Winters declares “future free of me, the future is blind it has forgotten me”
Sadly, ‘In Case of the Flood’ has more misses than hits which breaks up the overall cohesion of the album and has you reaching for the skip button. In between the gems there are the dreary moments such as ‘TVM’ which luckily is partially redeemed by the following track. Vocally, Winters has a self taught Bowie strain and a twang of him from Indie nothings Terris. Occasionally grating, more often invigorating. Fallout Trust have the sibling gift of Jess who likes a fiddle and brings a slick string to the sound which should be utilized more. They are at their best when crafting expanses and at their most worrying when going for jazz freeform, ‘Washout’.
Overall my anticipation has got the better of me and so the come down of disappointment is a long and heavy fall broken only by the fact there is great potential and when they standout they really do work well and click. The phrase “It’s a grower” has never been more deserving.
Reviewed by James Ainsworth
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