Reformation Post TLC

by

The Fall

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When last seen, Smith, near mythic hero, had astounded once again with Heads Roll, a masterpiece of New Fall sound. But of course, heads did roll, so after stunning the world with back to back masterpieces, we are once again met with a new band. Call 'em the New New Fall. Call 'em California goofballs, whatever, matters not, because they rock. The sound on 'Reformation' (of the band) Post 'TLC' (presumably the pink slips delivered with a smile to the last lot), is monstrous, monotonous, bottom heavy, and mesmerizing. Smith's voice sounds a bit stronger than on 'Heads', although he continues in his trend to more minimalist lyrics. I imagine by the time he wraps the whole project up, he'll be writing songs with just one word. Or syllable. Something in his grunts and barks tells me he's moving toward a post-indo-european language, like Joyce's Finnegan's Wake, but w/o all the bleedin words. A masterpeice. Again. MES is still god, and the New New Fall are still the mightiest rock n roll band in the world.

Having been a Fall follower since hex enduction hour, i have seen many of the ups and downs of the band played out and on.

In 2007 nothing has changed with that maxim for MES.

Having disposed of the then current lineup of the band mid tour, who were all relatively new members anyway with the exception of guitarist Ben Pritchard who had lasted 6 or so years, he picks up a new band of Los Angelinos and within days and before you know it they are the fall.

They begin recording almost immediatley and this is the fruit of that labour.

Well how does it scrub up?

This is an album for fans only.

If you are interested in finding out about the wonderful and frightening world of MES and the fall don't start here.

For the fans tho, it is amazing that MES has pulled what he has out of it.

I can liken it to going from 'the unutterable' to 'are you are missing winner'.

There are instant fall grooves going on in Fall Sound, Reformation, Systematic Abuse and My door is never although the latter is marred by an uninspired vocal by MES.

White Line Fever features a most melancholy approach to a vocal not seen since Bill is Dead from Extricate, showing a most tender side of MES, obviously the old codger is mellowing [surely not!], pity then that the playing is so sloppy!

Insult Song is very hard going, an uninspired jam along with one of Smith's most embarrasing rants - why even include it?

Das Boot is cut from similar cloth.

Neat moments are found on Coach and Horses and the Usher.

Elena Poulou's vocal on the Wright Stuff is cool and a welcome break from Smith's mostly below par vocals.

Thankfully also her keyboard contibutions maintain a link to the old Fall sound [check out the relentless drive of Fall Sound!!]

If the band sticks around long enough [or they are allowed to!] then the next album will be interesting particularly if Tim Presley [new guitarists] manages to find his feet.

He is credited as co producer with Smith but where are the guitars??

The twin bass line up hopefully will an inspired innovation if it continues to evolve and find it's way also.

All in all it seems a bit rushed and lacking a little in quaulity control.

Production is a little on the low-fi side after the sonic slam of the last 2 studio efforts.

Still there is enough on here to keep me happy til the next one rolls around and enough to make me realise that after 30 years the fall are still right up there.

Bring back Grant Showbiz and get the guitars back in the mix!!

Flying Ed....