This enduring Aussie four-piece have been free of label burdens since they released their third LP [In] Exile in 2009.
At the height of After The Fall’s popularity in 2005, their sophomore album, Always Forever Now had strong Triple J support, yet somewhere along the line, the buzz the NSW Central Coast band was building evaporated into thin air.
[In] Exile was an edgy pop-rock attempt at re-establishing the band, although it seemingly failed as the group continued to fly precariously low under the radar.
A fact that won’t change with the release of their fourth LP, Bittersweet. This time around however, they’re not chasing audiences, respect, or buzz. As they put it, this album was “made by the band, for the band”.
Bittersweet is a heavier take on the sound that got them noticed back in 2004. It’s rough around the edges, yet it still maintains their catchy word play.
Best heard on the title track and ‘Lies’, which are both quite easily the heaviest stuff they’ve done yet, but their pop choruses echo what they’ve done before.
However while the album is a solid offering, it doesn’t leave a lasting impression. This is the sort of rock music that would be far more appreciated in a live setting. Probably more so by the band, than any large number of punters.
While it matters little to After the Fall what the majority think, fans of the band should be satisfied with Bittersweet and thats probably all they really hoped for.
