Falling Stacks (Howling Owl Records)
CD / DL
Available now

This three-track EP takes the best of ’80s and ’90s alternative and brings it up to date with a sharp edge and funk wobble.

If you were cutting your teeth on the hard edge of Big Black, the lunacy of the Jesus Lizard and the agit-groove of Fugazi then there is a place in your blackened heart for Falling Stacks. They assimilate all that you loved from that time and have made it their own.

They were simpler times. You bought Atomiser on record and taped it for your friends as they taped the records they had bought. The thrill of finding a new band, reading about them, maybe finding a live show and sending off for their music. All a visceral thrill.

It was bloody hard then to find stuff, I had to travel to Birmingham to buy a Dinosaur Jr single for God sake! Which makes it all the sweeter that I am reviewing a physical copy of this release. It reminds me of being young, sweat soaked and hoarse, bruised and laughing, deaf and fully alive.

The sound is all hard edges and angular. ‘Husky’ lurches along like it knows where to go but is unsure of how to get there. The noise is full and hard just waiting for you to throw a punch and scream. Understated and cool, raised on the edge of music, we used to call it alternative.

‘Bolus’ is fast, and short. ‘Chabascos’ is more funky. It’s still as hard as nails with an edge you could cut yourself shaving on, but it has a funk wobble underneath.

Three songs harking back to an easier time. Three tracks that drag you in, chew you up and make you want to launch yourself off a stage again. Three songs you really should be listening to.

The physical release has already sold out but you can listen to the tracks on Soundcloud.

Falling Stacks have a few live dates coming up. They’re even better live. If at all possible make sure you get to see them folks!

October 20th – Oxjam – Croft, Main room, 6pm.
November 17th – Bristol Diving School
December 13th – Mothers Ruin

All words by Adrian Bloxham. You can read more from Adrian on LTW here.