Moments of riveting clarity permeate this romp of a concept album that started years ago with an idea to write a story outline from the perspective of its characters all set to music. Indeed Greetings From Apocalyptic Falls is liken to a musical vignette in 10 acts, or songs. Each track an answer to the question of what would you do if the sun were to go supernova and your time was running out?
While the idea for the concept album was solid, just how to release it was not. Questions remained over how to put out something that sounded so stylistically off their beaten path. Even starting a new band to release it was considered, but decided against in regards to all the moving parts involved. You see just as writing a concept album was new to j. bell & The Lazy Susan Band, they were additionally taking a musical departure away from their solid Americana rock sound as well, swapping out the usual suspects for synth and electronic drums on many of the tracks.
Rich with the narrative of ten characters as varied as forlorn lovers to survivalists; Greetings From Apocalyptic Falls opens with the frenetic “Light Masquerading”, setting the stage for an album rife with the moments of people facing their utter destruction. “Stay Where You Are” aches with longing torture, and is just right for those tragic romantics in the audience. On that same thread “No More Somedays” is gut wrenching. A real reminder that tomorrow is promised to no one. My favorite track for its “less is more” delivery and realism to the point of discomfort is “Greetings”. The delicately poignant song is backed by stunning mandolin and piano.
On such an introspective album, I was delighted to find a song to sing along with. “Livin” is just that–an Americana-pop infused tune that invites joining along with its catchy chorus. Epic closer “Solar Flare” draws the curtain back on the drama of lovers trying to reach one another before the sun dies and life as they know it vanishes forever. I just hope they found one another in time! Sniff sniff.
j. bell & The Lazy Susan Band have perhaps unintentionally written the perfect musical for where we are right now, with threats from all sides facing us including environmental disasters, political detritus, and nuclear threats to name a few. More importantly they have succeeded in breaking it down into what really matters. People.
Greetings From Apocalyptic Falls will be released at Can Can Wonderland this Saturday May 19 and it may be the only time it is performed in its entirety (unless they take my advice and make it an apocalyptic musical). A must see and hear event!
Greetings From Apocalyptic Falls Itunes
~Rebecca Marx
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