Reviewed by Stella Redburn

As Cross Rhythms radio listeners will probably know, this London-based band's debut single "Commissioned" was something of a Cross Rhythms turntable hit. Now they deliver their long awaited full length debut and powerful it is too. Firefalldown have an intuitive grasp on how to build up a track, starting with the catchy hooks that feature on virtually every song, and adding interesting layers of backing vocals, drums, bass and really thrilling guitar solos. The single is "These Wounds" with its take-no-prisoners lyrics ("These wounds I bear so you'll believe/My love for you is there forever") combined with a really engaging, somewhat Celtic-sounding hook of "da da doo doo da". It may not sound like much, but believe me, you won't be able to stop humming it. Nearly every track has the nifty guitar work and I like the lead vocal sound: a good rock voice, strong and flexible with clear words. I guess the feel of 'These Wounds' is a bit rock-nostalgic, especially the classic guitar riffs but they definitely deliver good tunes sung and played with maximum passion. My favourites are "Deo" (classic guitar solo just at the right moment), "My Beautiful" and "I Am The Way". The album ends with a tasty acoustic version of "These Wounds". All in all, one of the best UK-produced rock albums you are likely to hear this year.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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