CD: “Transitions” by Fallen To Flux

Fallen to Flux consist of four amiable chaps who hail from London. They have been in existence for quite some time, since 2012, in fact, however I suspect that until now, they have had a hard core base of fans supporting them. With a recent appearance in Rock Sound magazine, airplay on Kerrang! radio and another successful string of gigs across the country under their collective belts, FTF are starting to send shockwaves through the alt metal community.

Transitions is their debut album; a 12 track musical journey that delights, soothes, awakens and inspires all at the same time. The intro – not short at 1 minute and 44 seconds – sounds like some sort of cinematic mood music; I’m not really sure what the point of it is, but it’s sort of nice.

The album proper begins with “Realisation” and whilst it’s a banger of a track, it doesn’t half remind me of the now defunct Glamour Of The Kill. That said, it sounds great and is perfect as a bruising opener, with big guitars and some well ranged vocals.

Third track “Sane” was the second single to be released off of the album and the video was picked up by the new rock tv station, BritRox, giving FtF their first ever TV appearance. It’s a thoughtful track which chugs along quite satisfactorily with a nice, moshable bridge in the middle. First single, “Anchored” continues in the same vein, whilst “Drifting” starts off with a nice, dreamy intro then snatches you back with a big chorus. This is probably my favourite track on the album, although I‘m not so sure my neighbours enjoyed it that much at full tilt!

The haunting “World of Ashes” continues with some big vocals and lots of effects; this is a song that by equal turns makes you want to twirl around gracefully like a somewhat uncoordinated ballet dancer and also have a bit of a mosh in the living room. Try it, I’m sure you’ll be more graceful than me!

The beautiful “Razor’s Edge” comes next; a lovely, thoughtful track that I could listen to over and over which also features another accomplished guitar solo.

The rest of the album bounces along like a basketful of puppies before feeding time; energetic, playful and actually quite endearing. Another favourite of mine is “This Crushing Fear”, which is a stonking track.

“Transitions II – Resolution” ends the album on a high note, with guitars and crescendos aplenty, fading out to nothing at the end. I don’t think that Fallen To Flux will end up doing the same thing, to be honest. I have seen this band a few times over the last couple of years and I have to say that they appear to have grown into a fully-fledged band with this album. Transitions is undeniably a 2016 offering, however it has elements of other eras thrown in with a pinch of old school attitude. It is a fitting debut for a band that appears to be on the ascent.

I wouldn’t really say that FTF are doing anything musically ground-breaking with this album, but it is a technically competent, mosh inducing romp which is holding its own in a somewhat saturated genre. With so many bands falling by the wayside of late, this has the potential to rise above the dross and shine, with the right publicity and lots of live gigs to back it up.

I believe that Oli and Co will be touring again soon so if you have the opportunity to catch them live, I can wholeheartedly recommend that you do, as they always put on a good show.

Track-Listing
Intro
Transitions 1 – Realisation
Sane
Anchored
Drifting
World of Ashes
Razor’s Edge
Worth Fighting For
This Crushing Fear
Colder
To The Wolves
Transitions II – Resolution

Band Members
Oli Clipsham – Vocals/guitars
Björn Gugu – Guitars
Luke Walley – Backing vocals/bass
Declan Brown – Drums

Links
http://www.facebook.com/fallentoflux
http://www.twitter.com/fallentoflux

Words by Vikkie “Part-timer” Richmond.