Embrace the Mystery of Falling Up
Enigmatic as ever, Ribordy is a lightning rod of inscrutability, captivating the attention of listeners even with lyrics cloaked in ambiguity. Many Falling Up fans appreciate just this cryptic quality of Ribordy’s, and even those who do not cannot deny the band’s unfailing elegance and appealing ambiance. The Falling Up guys threw everything into the mix on this one. Jesse Ribordy shares, “Stylistically we are experimented with ideas ranging everywhere from the space electronic sci-fi influence of Spielberg movies in the 80's, to dark and dreamy piano based rock and pop that has prevailed throughout our musical spectrum. We hope to achieve a musical experience that will revive high energy rock and roll back into the system and at the same time drift listeners off into a deep and dreamy sleep. Lyrically we weave through landscapes of imagination and peace to present clarity in love and hope instead of disconnection and recklessness.”
Primal Connections
The darkened movie theater effect drips from songs like the entrancing title track, exploring the gray areas between science and faith. Ribordy’s big vocals play well against the slammin’ rhythms, and the sparkling keys give just that dreamy sense Ribordy describes on the spacey bridge, giving this cut a truly galactic feel. Keys play a much more front and center role on Captiva, and have much to do with the aforementioned elegance. While the lrycis do not always readily communicate many specifics, each song manages to convey its own sense of reference. For instance, the edgy guitars and thick rhythms of “Hotel Aquarium” express energetic release, and the almost symphonic feel of the melodic “Maps,” with its full instrumentation and moving strings, communicates a soaring open-spiritedness similar to flying.
Other tracks are notable for their duality are the techno-laced “Goodnight Gravity,” a solid rock ‘n roller, and “Good Morning Planetarium,” its rolling waves of gentle movement challenged repeatedly by thick guitar riffs. Another edgy cacophony of sound is “Murexa,” a thick stew of edgy guitars, whining synths, and gorgeously layered vocals.
Closing Captiva
Two gentle rhapsodies close out Captiva. The first is the profound and piano-driven “Arc To Archtilles,” notable for its trembling synth work and splashy drums. The closing “The Dark Side of Indoor Track meets,” based on Cordelle Truet’s phenomenal 2001 run, pushes the boundaries of possibilities, its electric guitars lashing the keys forward. Falling Up fans will not be disappointed in this lofty latest offering.
