Fall Break's 'Cabin' EP is a tightly wound collection of tracks that manage to feel both expansive and intimately personal. Recorded in isolation, the EP carries a unique atmosphere, a sort of contained energy that bursts forth in waves. The opening track, ‘Spaces//Places’, perfectly encapsulates this. It's spacious, almost borderless sound draws you in with a shimmering melody, before seamlessly transitioning into heavier rock elements. This blend of shoegaze and post-punk feels natural, not forced, and sets the tone for the rest of the EP.
‘Ghosts’ follows, with a jagged guitar line and calling vocals that capture the essence of millennial emo, while hinting at broader sonic ambitions. The band clearly aren't content to simply retread familiar ground. 'Playing Pretend' is a standout track, a gorgeous, but emotionally heavy cut that the band drive home perfectly. The rhythm section provides a solid foundation, allowing the emotionally charged lyrics to shine. Lines like, “you make me want to scream, I don’t know what you mean, we’re breaking at the seams”, deliver a powerful emotional punch, highlighting the band's ability to craft impactful moments.
‘Asleep’ offers a burst of pop-punk anthemics wrapped in Midwest emo, a testament to their versatility. It’s a catchy, energetic track that showcases their knack for crafting infectious melodies. The closing track, ‘Shame’, provides an acoustic reprieve, proving that Fall Break can deliver emotional depth without relying on heavy instrumentation. “I can’t stop writing you love songs” is a line that resonates, and the shift from acoustic to electric is executed with precision, hitting hard every time.
Hailing from Lincoln, Nebraska, Fall Break are a four-piece who wear their influences proudly, citing acts like Knuckle Puck, Jimmy Eat World, and Foo Fighters. However, they aren't simply mimicking their heroes. They've forged their own distinct sound, a blend of emo, alternative rock, and shoegaze that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
The band's commitment to delivering a compelling live experience is evident in their recorded work. They’ve managed to capture the raw energy of their live shows, while maintaining a polished, professional sound. Self-produced by the band, with their drummer handling the recording and mixing, 'Cabin' feels authentic and heartfelt. This EP is a promising debut, and it's clear that Fall Break are a band to watch.
Be sure to stream the EP on Spotify above and follow the band today on Facebook and Instagram.
