Dead Heart Bloom – Fall In EP
Dead Heart Bloom is an alternative indie rock band from New York, who recently released their new EP, Fall In, the first of a series of scheduled releases for 2008. This album incorporates shoegaze, pop, lingering vocals, and an overall mellow vibe. I hadn’t heard of Dead Heart Bloom before this EP, but after being able to get my hands on their other work, I can definitely say that there is a more of a rock focus on this EP compared to their self-titled 2006 album and Chelsea Diaries in 2007. I found these albums had a more folk rock focus to it…which I always appreciate. 
“Is This the Way the Good World Will End” begins the EP, offering the listener with a pretty superior shoegaze experience. I’ve read that guitar solos in this day and age are becoming taboo and tacky—that if a band incorporates one into their tunes, they are stretching the “limits” of rock music too far. I’m sort of on the fence with this one. This particular track does end off on a guitar solo. I am pretty indifferent to it, however. On one hand, it blends in a very subtle manner in that it is not just an awkward addition, but on the other hand, the song could have been done without it. “Nothing Will Break Me Now” is a pretty mellow track. Boris Skalsky’s vocals really shine here, in my opinion. I’m actually very fond of his tenor singing voice; it’s quite mesmerizing. I believe that throughout the entire EP, this is the song that captures the full range of his vocal capabilities.
I suppose I don’t have the merit to say much in this, but perhaps as a lover of folk/acoustic rock, I feel this EP doesn’t reach the level of the band’s older stuff (Chelsea Diaries was very well-received). At a first listen, Fall In sounds quite inconsistent, but I believe it’s all held together with the vocals. Stylistically, the vocals are quite consistent with each track. I’m afraid that might be the only thing that really holds it all together. All in all, it is an enjoyable album, and I’m definitely looking forward to the future releases.
Fall In is currently available online for free download. You can’t go wrong with free downloads. You can also purchase the physical album through the band’s official website.
Dead Heart Bloom – Is This The Way
Dead Heart Bloom – Nothing Will Break Me Now
