Scotland's Falloch was last on the scene as a duo, since then vocalist/guitarist/tin whistle-ist Andy Marshall left the band opting instead for the much more grim Soar. Instead of giving up, the now solo Scott McLean grabbed a guitar, three other guys and evolved.
McLean's and his new band mates still retain some of the blackened nature of the band's debut, Where Distant Spirits Remain on songs like "For Life," which is perhaps the closest thing to the band's last album the listener is going to get. It is a gorgeous blend of the spirit of an Agalloch epic with the epic majesty of a band like Borknagar. This is certainly a highlight on the record, however they are now opting for more of an atmospheric sludge or post-rock sound. This Island, Our Funeral is just as emotive and engrossing, but in a fresh way for Falloch.
The album kicks off with "Tòrradh" which is an epic nine-minute journey that shines a light on new vocalist Tony Dunn. His approach is similar to Marshall in that his vocals are almost entirely sung rather that screeched/growled/screamed/whatever you want to call it, and this was welcomed. This has always been an appeal of the band for me. Their decision to place soaring clean vocals upfront prevents them from being just another Agalloch or Alcest clone. Plus, I loved me some big sung vocals over blast beats on the last record. I also enjoy that the new vocals are akin to those featured in Ne Obliviscaris and are clearly not just the new guy copying the old.
Quite a bit of experimentation occurs with the new members of this record. While "Brahan" is best example of the band's ability to blend everything they're about, the intro opens with Ocean like rhythm which felt quite different for Falloch. There are several other times when the band journeys into prog territory and I can't recall a time thinking that the band did this. This song eventually opts for post-rock atmosphere, but not without some crushing doom sections in the latter half. This song actually features the sole employment of screaming vocals and the contrast if creates with the gentle section of the song they occupy. The result is a brief but lovely juxtaposition and a sense of urgency. On the flip side of doom and soaring despair, "I Shall Build Mountains" song starts in the territory that the new record has lain before us, however a beautiful second act of the song reflects the grace and delicacy of Devin Townsend's Ki. The short but sweet "For Uir" is basically a ballad of sorts also takes the listener through this prettier side of the band as well. Spirits certainly had its delicate moments, but this being executed in a different way.
It's hard to compare this album to the band's previous effort. It's almost like an entirely different band both in sound and structure. Honestly, this fact actually makes me appreciate Falloch as a whole more so. They show that they have the potential to be a band that evolves with each new album. I fucking LOVED Where Distant Spirits Remain. It was such a unique experience at the time. I'd say this album is less unique, but still great. Some of their finest work is featured here. For example, if the band winds up playing a show and they fail to end with "Sanctuary," it will be a crime against the audience. However, if may just be that since Spirits was released the atmospheric black metal market has become so saturated or that the post-metal/rock market has been for years, but I feel like this record will get lost.
I still highly recommend this record. They were one of the gems in the atmospheric black metal realm and they should be in this sludge/post-rock place they reside in now. A great band all around.
Pick up Our Island, This Funeral in North America on January 27th via Candlelight Records
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