MUSIC FARMER 5 - Review by Adam Jones
A Song That Defies Gravity
In today's often overly processed pop-rock landscape, it's extremely rare to find a song that's truly authentic - one that captures the essence of the heart's undulating rhythms. JAMES KEEN's "Falling or Flying" is one such masterpiece; a poetic symphony that dances between the polarities of human experience.
As the opening chords of the acoustic guitar unwind, they cradle the soul in its tender embrace. This guitar, with its resonant strings, acts as a storyteller - narrating a tale of both earthbound roots and celestial aspirations. The distant heartbeat of the bass drum adds a primal depth, grounding the listener in the here and now.
Into this auditory Eden steps JAMES KEEN's voice, a phoenix rising from the ashes of sound. His vocal prowess melds the raw passion of Geddy Lee with the earnest timbre of Tom Petty, creating a harmonious paradox of strength and vulnerability.
The chorus of "Falling or Flying" is a crescendo of the soul, a powerful invocation that sings, "These are the moments we live for." Here, the strings and an invigorated rhythm section join the fray, painting a soundscape that ascends to the heavens, allowing KEEN's vocals to pirouette in the realms of the infinite.
Lyrically, the song is an introspective journey, a reflective musing on the human condition. Lines like "Who’s to say who’s to blame? / Who’s to say who is right?" are not just sung; they are philosophical queries set to melody, inviting the listener to ponder life's labyrinthine paths.
Musically, JAMES KEEN's "Falling or Flying" is a sublime blend of elements. The acoustic guitar is not merely an instrument but a rhythmic compass guiding the song. In concert with the drums, bass, and piano, it creates a melody that envelops and transports the listener to realms of sublime introspection.
The guitar solo towards the end is not just a technical feat; it is a narrative climax, a soaring expression of triumph and transcendence. It is akin to a painter putting the final, defining stroke on a canvas, leaving the audience in awe.
Into this auditory Eden steps JAMES KEEN's voice, a phoenix rising from the ashes of sound. His vocal prowess melds the raw passion of Geddy Lee with the earnest timbre of Tom Petty, creating a harmonious paradox of strength and vulnerability.