Fallstar - Reconciler. Refiner. Igniter.

“If what these men do is of God… you will never be able to stop them.” This is the opening line of the track ‘Lurchers’, from Oregon-based hardcore outfit, Fallstar, taken off their first full-length album, Reconciler. Refiner. Igniter.

Due to the slightly prophetic opening, I was initially a little wary of what this album would sound like. The band is signed with indie label Come&Live, which describes itself as a “non-profit community dedicated to proclaiming the good news of Jesus”, and Fallstar themselves have announced that their drummer, Robert Lasco, “felt God calling him to other areas of ministry” and has left the band. At this point, I found myself asking if a group so obviously allied with God, can create a mind-blowing, hardcore outfit? Before I got halfway through the first track, I realized, that yes, yes they can.

Don’t let the religious overtones and associations fool you, these guys know their genre. This music is like potato chips, you just can’t stop listening to it. This is a very slick album, with every instrument and every vocal perfectly placed and balanced, creating a backdrop of sound so smooth and crisp you can pick out each instrument.

Opening track ‘Hunters’ begins with a faded-in ambient guitar, lulling you into a false sense of security, before bringing in crunching power chords and growling vocals. The album’s next track, ‘Black Clouds’, has an introduction so heavy and fast it ensures the listener is wide awake and paying attention. Between them, these two tracks are a great example of what you can expect throughout the rest of the album.

The album ends with final track ‘Windows’, fading off into the distance, and that’s what it really feels like. It’s like you’ve been on this incredible journey with the group, but now they wander off, possibly into the sunset, and you’re left wondering where Fallstar are going next.
 

Album: Reconciler. Refiner. Igniter.
Year: 2011

Track List:
      1. Hunters
      2. Black Clouds
      3. Reconciler
      4. Horse w/o a Rider
      5. Saratoga Springs
      6. Lurchers
      7. Drunkaholics Anonymous
      8. Face the Floor
      9. Contorionist
     10. Windows

Visit: www.myspace.com/fallstar