Release Date: 25 October 2010
Song Count: 13
Duration: 1 hour, 10 minutes, 42 seconds
Rating: 7.9/10
Description:
Back in the dubstep swing, today we got a record from around the end of the original movement before the mainstream image of the genre really took over: Fallen Light, the second album from Bristol-based producer Matt Preston, also known as Phaeleh (pronounced "fella"). In spite of being more stylised than earlier dubstep works, the 2010 album still largely carries over the same elements and traits from its roots while giving it a fresh and more unique spin.
Generally following along on the laid-back, downtempo-adjacent energy induced by the combination of the way classic dubstep was produced with glimpses and drops of ambience and additional melodicism, Fallen Light gives the sense of a light yet long breeze brushing along with its soundscape, as it feels artistic yet not extensively indulgent. The vocal samples used match the exact way the percussions and melodic electronic instruments are set up, leading to a collection of very coherent and complete sounding tracks that are neither too long nor too short.
Compared to past albums from the scene that I have witnessed and reviewed, Fallen Light managed to capture my interest the most, likely because the signature elements of dubstep are not only utilised expertly the entire way through, but also are layered over instrumentation that reinvents itself enough times to keep the listening experience fresh and interesting - a strength that the other records possessed either less consistently or to a much lesser degree. This album, in my eyes, truly captures the essence of the movement it represents in the best possible way, by taking the best parts of what musically signifies its dubstep allegiance, meshing it together with a somewhat atmospheric twist that keeps the tracks memorable, and delivering a dozen that is enjoyable to listen to in the end. Very glad to have discovered this, and more than happy to perhaps see how Preston's work has evolved beyond this very successful point in the future.