Florida's Fallen from the Sky have been on the upward trend since releasing their debut EP, Tune Out the World, in 2005. They were runner-ups in MTV2's Dew Circuit Breakout and this, their debut full-length, was highly anticipated by many publications. In spite of all the praise the band has remained grounded and true to their roots. The band's debut full-length, Tonight We Radiate, is a perfect example of where hard work and determination will get you.
"Skeletons" and "Out of Control" lead the album off with a stunning blend of the rustic punk of Hot Water Music and melodic hardcore of Silent Majority. The music is upbeat and infectious while vocalist Ryan Loughney's raspy delivery of personal battles fits the sound perfectly. The insertion of sporadic gang-vocals adds to the hardcore flavor of the record, but not in an overwhelming way.
Loughney gives a first-hand recollection of life on the road in "HS." Meanwhile his bandmates have surrounded his words with poppy melodic hardcore, like taking equal parts The Movielife and Small Brown Bike. The music is punk at its core but has the post-hardcore guitar intricacies of guitarists Eric Jazvac and Ky Morland.
Fall from the Sky juxtapose hardcore and melodic punk as they deliver Tonight We Radiate. Songs like "The Torch" and "Victims" (which features guest vocals from Chris McLane of Stretch Arm Strong) are reminiscent of contemporaries in Strike Anywhere with their high octane rhythms and blazing riffs. Occasionally the band slows things down at points, like "A Song for Believers," but for the most part it's fast-paced hardcore jams from start to finish.
Tonight We Radiate likely won't grace the top of end of the year lists, which is a shame. The album seems to have flown under the radar of most - perhaps due to the limited touring the band seems to be doing in support of the album. Regardless, Fallen from the Sky has brought forth an album that justifies the road pioneered by their influences. If melodic hardcore and No Idea-esque punk are your deal, grab this.
