Dawn Escapes (CD - 2005)

Modern/nu-metal amalgam Falling Up took little time to release its sophomore effort Dawn Escapes in 2005. Perhaps because lead vocalist Jessy Ribordy and company focused so intensely on what they wanted to say, the result was a collection of heavier yet less distinguishable tunes. Everything down to the tempo remained the same throughout the 12 tracks, never finding the balance between passion and artistry. That said, the band is stellar at its nu-metal hybrid. Their eager fan base devoured this record at supersonic speed, so quickly that the band released a remix album mere months later. The success of preceding modern rock acts like Kutless has depended on their ability to keep current with secular genre fads. Falling Up proved it can out-Linkin Park Linkin Park, but it gave little inclination as to what would give it staying power when aggressive alternative was surpassed by the next hot wave. ~ Jared Johnson

On 2005's DAWN ESCAPES, the Oregon-based Christian band Falling Up sharpens its heavy-rock attack. While messages of praise and worship are apparent throughout the record, the group is equally committed to holding down tight, guitar-laden grooves, as revealed on the opening track, "Searchlights." These precise, hard-hitting songs of faith are unrelentingly fierce enough to win over some open-minded secular rock fans. minimize