The current British alternative rock scene is a thriving pool of huge choruses, catchy songs and uplifting rhythms and it continues to get deeper. With their debut album ‘Transitions’, Fallen to Flux don’t waste any time getting acclimatised, diving straight in with a barrage of heavy instrumentals which differentiates them from their peers to leave a lasting first impression.
The triple hit of ‘Transitions’, ‘Sane’ and ‘Anchored’ makes for a strong start, each track bringing the choruses hard, all backed up by chunky, head-bobbing riffs. The massive guitars and dynamic rhythms give Fallen to Flux a post hardcore edge but for all the heaviness there’s no sacrificing the melody and this core strength gives the record a solid foundation.
Oli Clipsham’s vocals are responsible for the vast amounts of melody on the record, his arrangements designed to be both catchy and interesting. From the assured chorus of power ballad ‘Razor’s Edge’ to the quick runs and R&B stylings of ‘This Crushing Fear’, Clipsham experiments with a range of styles and structures to keep things fresh and varied as the album progresses. At times the vocals seem overly produced and modified with effects, but having witnessed Clipsham replicating these songs perfectly live, it’s clear that this is simply his way of projecting his voice. This technique, along with the sometimes interesting pronunciation (see the opening to ‘Drifting’) can take some warming to at first, but once acquainted he emerges as a unique and highly effective vocalist and helps to give Fallen to Flux a distinctive character.
As a record that consists of straight-up anthems like ‘Worth Fighting For’, the pop-rock of ‘Colder’, the metal-edge of ‘Transitions’ and the more technical dynamics of ‘Sane’, ‘Transitions’ is a highly appropriate title, the band choosing to display their wide range of creative influences in one package. Trying to demonstrate so many styles and influences can often be confusing, but Fallen to Flux tie these influences together in a way that sounds distinctively theirs. For a debut album this is extremely impressive and highlights the band’s vast amount of potential. ‘Transitions’ is a fantastic combination of melody and aggression and adds a bold new flavour to the British alternative rock scene.
MARK JOHNSON