At first listen, “Solace” appears to have much in common with darkwave bands such as Lycia and Love Spirals Downward. But this impression is quickly dispelled. While there is some of the same sense of dark reflection, Heaven Falls Hard dispenses with the “wall of synth” that other darkwave bands use so effectively. Instead, their approach is a stark, almost acoustic sort of feel that sort of reminds me of early Cowboy Junkies, yet of course, is much darker oriented. Languid piano and distant guitar balance Stacye’s beautiful voice to inspire a feeling of profound melancholy. But before going too far, the mood rises ever so subtly to a sense of wistful reflection. The listener thinks of things lost; or what might have been; os simply what once was. The opening track, “Frightened” has an edgy sort of poignancy, accentuated by a steady, slow percussion with bass and guitar chords that lead into unexpected directions. The layered vocals are particular effective with the haunting refrain “we should die together….” “Burn” begins rather  omionously. The measured, steady percussion, layered vocals, and guitar impart a Middle Eastern feel. The ballad-like “Take Anything” has a “fuller” sound than most of the other tracks, with more backing instruments. “Undone” is one of my favorite tracks. Along with the urgent despair in Stacy’s voice, it has a chord progression that somehow pulls at the listener’s soul. “Under Glass” is another simply awesome song, carried by wistful vocals and sparse, post-punkish guitar: “I ripped my fingers on the needles in your heart…” “Constant” continues in the same direction. “Still” begins with the sound of falling rain and piano, then Stacye’s vocals ensue with a slow, cabaret-ish air. “The Shroud” has a more electric sound, that would not be out of place on the soundtrack of a dark sci-fi movie. This change of arrangements is very effective after the preceding two tracks. “Thank You” starts slowly with piano, then rises to a dirge, with symphonic synth in the background. The vocals remind me vaguely of early Sinead O’Conner, with the refrain “I need an Angel…” “Aliena” aptly finishes the CD, with superb piano that gently ebbs and flows into dark, and then still darker, currents. “Solace” is a masterpiece that will be appreciated by fans of Goth, Ethereal, Darkwave, or anyone who enjoys deep, reflective music. Hopefully, this is just a taste of things to come from Heaven Falls Hard.

http://www.myspace.com/heavenfallshard

http://www.fossildungeon.com/fossildungeon/