The new iteration of Falloch delves far more into pure post rock than grey/black or folk pastures of your, even though strain is Celtic/Scottish thematic and lyrical elements are scattered around the release. What we have now is a band much more entrenched in the sounds more akin to Sigur Ros, Sólstafir newer Alcest and to these ears, the likes of Day Without Dawn/Biclops and even Burst and later Cave In.  But the thing is, I’m really enjoying it. Its perfect winter music and a nice break from the usual growling, misogyny that death metal offers.

Falloch were never really a full on metal band on the debut anyways, utilizing amicable all clean croon, and new singer Tony Dunn has a similar, airy, clean, almost pop voice, and while it has a certain Irish charm, he lacks real range, depth and emotion, but it still works in the framework of the sprawling, jangly riffs and misty, loch and rolling hill scape imbuing atmospherics.

The songs are all rangy 5- 12 minute affairs laden with acoustics and shimmering patient builds and ebbs, strumming riffs and soaring singing. There’s no crumbling peaks or slightly blacker blasts. This is pure, sonic introspection, perfect for late night headphone listening to lull you to sleep. The guitars and production in general is lush and has a nice, warm density, so songs like “Brahan”,”I Shall Build Mountains” or album centerpiece, closer “Sanctuary” carry a little weight, but roll like mists off the highlands rather than rumble with thunderous heft. But for the most part it’s melodramatic, but stirring hymnal patience like “For Uir” (and its gorgeously fitting video above), “For Life” or sumptuous, Celtic tinged opener “Torradh” .

This Island, Our Funeral is a relaxing, gorgeous album. Though I’m sure it will ruffle the feather of ‘real’ metal fans, it’s deserving the ear of the more discerning, open minded metal fan that appreciates passionate art as well as blast beats or screeching.

Falloch is the work of just two men – Andy Marshall, who handles the bass, guitar and vocals, and Scott McLean, who handles the drums and keyboards. Both men teamed up earlier with a band called Concept of Time, and Marshall gained some notoriety for his previous work with Askival.

The first track starts out with a slow acoustic guitar intro, setting the tone before the percussion kicks in after about twenty seconds. The clean vocals start shortly after that, and I have to say Marshall has a pretty damn good voice on him. His vocals have a presence that really adds to the epic feeling of the album. The vocals drop off about halfway through, and we get more acoustic guitar before the outro that ups the tempo and actually features some blast beats. These are not death metal blasts, but this first track really sets the stage for the rest of the album.

Track two starts right off the bat with some faster double bass, and here we get the first taste of what sounds like a tin whistle which I have to say is incredibly well placed. It shows its face here and on the first instrumental, “Horizons”, and it adds such a presence and sense of ambiance to the music I would have liked to have seen it used more often. We also see Marshall taking an Opeth-ian turn with some harsh vocals, which are use here and very sparingly throughout some of the other tracks on the album. His versatility is displayed quite impressively here.

Following the aforementioned instrumental is “Where We Believe”, a ten minute monster of a track that really brings all of Falloch’s elements together in one cohesive unit. You get the slow guitars and percussion, tempo changes, harsh/clean vocals, and the blast beats which show up again towards the end of the track. It’s easy to see why this is the one track they chose to put up on their Myspace page.

The album closes out with a keyboard instrumental, which is a fitting end to an album like this. At a little over 50 minutes, it’s easy to say this album is truly an experience and one that you will want to listen to when you can truly focus your attention on it. It features many different elements and genres all put together, and are pulled off with precision that an album like this demands. The way the vocals and the instruments intertwine and play off of each other is fascinating to behold and makes for one hell of a debut album. It will be interesting to see what they explore with their sophomore effort.

Set for release on September 27, 2011 via Candlelight Records, Where Distant Spirits Remain was produced by Ronan Chris Murphy (Ulver, King Crimson) and includes six songs that showcase the band’s unique blend of styles. Fans of Alcest, Agalloch, Primordial and others will embrace FALLOCH‘s somber soul. The duo’s lyrics focus around themes of nostalgia, sorrow, nature and longing. Said Alternative Matter of the offering: “a majestic effort in the atmospheric field of metal.” To view the cover art, point your browser HERE.

Where Distant Spirits Remain Track Listing:
1. We Are Gathering Dust
2. Beyond Embers & The Earth
3. Horizons
4. Where We Believe
5. The Carrying Light
6. To Walk Amongst

http://www.myspace.com/falloch

http://candlelightrecordsusa.com

Commented McLean of the signing, “We are extremely happy to be offered this chance to sign with such a well respected label, which throughout its many years has had so many influential albums/bands on its roster. From the classic albums from Emperor and the early albums of Opeth right through to new exciting acts such as Altar Of Plagues and Winterfylleth. We are looking forward to releasing our debut album through Candlelight, who are known for bringing many new and talented bands to the forefront of the metal scene. We hope to become a strong part of the Candlelight family and look forward to great things in the future.”

Where Distant Spirits Remain was produced by Ronan Chris Murphy (Ulver, King Crimson) and is set to include seven songs that will showcase the band’s unique blend of styles. Fans of Alcest, Agalloch, Primordial and others will embrace the band’s somber and emotional sounds. The duo’s lyrics focus around themes of nostalgia, sorrow, nature and longing.
FALLOCH add to Candlelight’s new grouping of international signings, including Altar Of Plagues (Europe), Gnaw Their Tongues, The Living Fields, The Meads Of Asphodel and more. The duo plan to add musicians to their line-up in time for the album’s release so that they can present their material live on stage. Further info to be announced soon….

http://www.myspace.com/falloch
http://candlelightrecordsusa.com