THE FRUIT FALLEN

The Fruit Fallen stands out as one of the top releases of 2008. It is 70 minutes of well constructed prog, with not only unique musical composition, but deep lyrical content. A rare and potent combination, each enhances the other. A journey best enjoyed in its entirety, to appreciate the distictiveness of each piece taking the listener in different directions. Be forewarned the trip is not frivilous.

The most unusual song is the second track, Baptism, which features church organ, flute, cello and pulsating african drum sections, culminating in a primal scream befitting of the pain of the lyrics. Equally compelling is the 6th track, coincidentally titled Sixth Day, an examination of organized religion, which builds throughout its almost 10 minutes before its explosive refrain. On its heels comes the incredibly haunting melody of One Breath To Breathe. The combination of music and lyrics paints the picture of suicide so real that the listener can actually feel the pain.

IMHO the best song on the album is Nocturne, seemingly ignored by most of the reviews I have read. Once again this song transports the listener into the inner sanctum of the subject's mind and one can experience first hand the torture, the loss of one's dreams, the psychotic episode and ultimately the redemption. The transition into the song's final movement is one of those great moments in rock that elevates the listener's anticipation and then mood.

The Prayer and Reunion, the 4th and 8th tracks respectively, are full of interesting musical interludes that keep the music fresh and interesting throughout. Both also possess Edensongs' characteristic intelligent lyrics coupled with great musical moments. To See But Not Believe, is apparently a bonus track which explodes on the unwary listener about 3 minutes after the end of Reunion, jarring them back into mix. The song is unlike the rest of the compositions on the album, more influenced by bands such as Dream Theatre.

The opener Water Run as well as the 3rd track Reflection are the most accessible. They provide good counterpoints for the rest of the work which is generally darker. Both contain interesting instumentation, Water Run with its delicate guitar break, accented with violin and flute and Reflection with tablas and cello.

IMO this is the type of work that will be appreciated even more with the passage of time, when reflection will make it clear that this was an essential progressive work. It deals with real issues in a provocative way and gives its audience both words and music to chew on. If there is a negative, it is the deadly serious nature of the album, but then again it is serious subject matter.