EP REVIEW: Falling, Faster – Stand Alone

In 2016, Bradford trio STAND ALONE made a positive first impression with Nothing Is Forgotten, an EP packed full of well-written, charismatic, melodic hard rock anthems that lyrically reflected both the individual and collective difficulties that the band had faced, with the utmost honesty. Fast forward two years, and the three-piece have unveiled a follow-up to that, Falling, Faster.

Save You opens proceedings, dominated by an infectious, groove-laden riff, which along with a catchy melody and a strong vocal delivery, does an effective job of immediately hooking the listener in, and is the most similar-sounding track to the debut release, as the remaining three songs are used as opportunities for them to show how much they have matured, both musically, and as human beings.

Never Stand Alone is an anthem of positivity, with soaring melodies and close harmonies, lyrically representing how the band overcame adversity during what had been a difficult emotional journey for them over the past two years, something that should also be relevant to anybody out there who is currently going through a tough time. Inspired by the horrific terrorist attacks in Paris three years ago, Repose En Paix (“rest in peace” in French) pays tribute to the victims of that, but also acts as a rallying cry for everyone to stand up for what they truly believe in, and to live their lives to the full.

Final track 616 sees the outfit at their most experimental, an almost six-minute epic with a sound that transitions through genres, ranging from heavy metal to funk, with ease, culminating in front man Gavin Stevenson adding another string to his musical bow by showing off some sublime piano skills.

Overall, Falling, Faster sees STAND ALONE build on Nothing Is Possible by taking what they have since learnt, through personal events, practising, and the experience of performing live, applying that to already well-crafted music and lyrical content, resulting in an EP that enhances the trio’s strengths, and should also see them gain further momentum.

Rating: 7/10

Falling, Faster is due for release November 30th via self-release. 

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