11/26/2012

Edensong - The Fruit Fallen

Artist:           Edensong
Album:         The Fruit Fallen
Year:             2008
Line-Up:       James Byron Schoen - Electric and acoustic guitars, vocals
Matt Cozin - Drums
T.D. Towers - Bass
Michael Drucker - Violin
Eve Harrison - Flute
Rachel Kiel - Flute
Arthur Sugden - Piano, organ
Ben Wigler - Electric guitar
Kerry Prep - Piano, organ
Sam Baltimore - Cello
Joe Swain - Violin
Anthony Waldman - Drums, percussion
Ben Doleac - Backing vocals
Azalea Birch - Tablas
Hannah Goodwin-Brown - Cello
Joaquin Cotler - African percussion
Neely Bruce - Church organ
Steve Devita - Percussion
Adam Bernier - Synthesizer programming
Label:           Independent

When a modern progressive rock meets the old school of the 70’s, such as Jethro Tull, Rush and Genesis, dominated by folky and acoustic atmosphere, the result sounds more or less like The Fruit Fallen by Edensong. This refreshing debut from the promising band from the States is a rather interesting piece of work actually. Almost entirely from the mind and hands of James Byron Schoen, The Fruit Fallen combines classical music, heavy metal, 70’s prog, folk rock, and includes hints of numerous other genres and subgenres. The biggest problem with this kind of music is usually the matter of holding all of it together. An ambitious project, I would say, but it does not disappoint.

The global problem with prog-rock debut albums (or actually with any other debut albums as well) is their profusion and difficulties of reaching audience. These two are tightly linked together, as music is nowadays made more than ever before, and because of the internet the field of promoting has expanded utterly more than you can shake a stick at. This leads to a phenomenon where quality is buried underneath quantity, not to mention the effect of mainstream popular music. Because of all this, it is critical that the debut is solid and reaches listeners. The Fruit Fallen is solid as a rock, but hasn’t reached and satisfied as many listeners as I would imagine it could. The fact that this album is an independent release by James Byron Schoen makes it of course harder to reach audience.

The singing style of Byron Schoen reminds me a bit of Ian Andersons. The frequently appearing flute might have some subconscious effect in this train of thought. Well, Baron Schoen has listed Anderson as one of his influences. The Fruit Fallen creates a very interesting blend of feelings with diverse composition. In the same song, you can loosen up listening to beautiful and charming melodies and all of a sudden feel the adrenalin in your veins when at times even chaotic harmonies and heavy sound grasps your attention. The album flows with the alternate of these two and this is done so smooth the thought of it being forced or inappropriate will not occur.

All is well done: talented musicians playing well composed and interesting music with a religious lyrical theme. Song called “The Sixth Day” is a fine example on what the album has to offer. At least I will stay tuned for more of this in the future.


Written by: Oz






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