FALLU - Sunshine Down

BIMM Manchester Weekly Features 2nd Issue

A masterclass of tension and release; ‘Sunshine Down’ is a piece of confrontational art. FALLU and her band create a low-key action movie dance-off track that combines funk guitar duels, alternative rock-esque builds and her belting, soulful vocals. Having released singles ‘Eventually’ in mid 2019 and ‘Conversation’ earlier this year, FALLU is well acquainted with the struggles of being a musician in lockdown and aims to bring all her positivity in a ‘message of hope for happier days’. Sunshine Down, however, is a showcase of competitive angst and is full to the brim with that badass determination and energy that we have all missed feeling while being shut away from the nightlife.

FALLU’s ability to own her style is what makes her music stand out the most. Psychedelia and romantic 60s visuals are not at the forefront of Sunshine Down, but their pressure is still felt from floor-to-ceiling as heavily-wah’d crunch and chorus decorate riffing solos and floaty verse chords. The mix is peppered with colourful reverb and feedback effects pushing the whole ensemble outwards to fill the senses. Bass improvisation and fills are dotted throughout the driving rhythms of the drum kit, which ebbs and flows through slower, more contained verses and up-tempo funk choruses.

RnB, soul, funk, rock – the list of influences goes on and each can be seen as well as heard. FALLU’s appearance is bright and vibrant as her ‘kaleidoscopic campaign’ is welcome to all who listen.

‘Stay true to her energetic musical variety, ‘Sunshine Down’ reveals new instrumental endeavours for FALLU, with her loyal band offering heavy rock drums with a funky bass rhythm to create a psychedelic spectrum of colour.’

I caught FALLU performing at well-known Manchester venue YES before lockdown fully kicked in. Her and her band’s energy and vibes are reflected perfectly in both sound and style, and they are skilled professionals as well as experts in groove.

Sunshine Down’s mellow tones tell the tinted visions of anxiety personified. The story of mental health and relationships is not one that hasn’t been told before, but FALLU’s unique sound provides a fresh direction, ‘explaining how love can go from cloud nine to rock bottom’ because of it. Regardless, FALLU remains hopeful for the future, and so should her listeners as Sunshine Down is set to release on April 2nd.