SONG REVIEW: Fall Europa - "One Way Mind"

“A beautiful display of musicianship from upcoming band, Fall Europa” 

by Jesse Smith

We have all heard everything is bigger in Texas, and when it comes to prog rock this Dallas band takes their songwriting to new heights! Fall Europa has been active for over a decade but their newest EP “King Pariah” is their best work to date. With songs like Dolos & the title track King Pariah, the band really took their experimental sound and turned it up! But today we’re focusing on another stand out track called “One Way Mind” which closes out the EP, and it’s the perfect ending! 

Now before you embark on this journey, the song comes in just over 7 minutes long, which in the progressive music world isn’t uncommon. Within this 7 minute journey, I feel this song is where they let loose and experimented the most! Guitarists Matthias Bowen & Jackson Snowden really shine in this song. As the track opens, it starts with a very atmospheric tone and vibe followed by a beautiful guitar solo! But it wasn’t like an 80's guitar solo, it was beautiful and soulful like a progressive Santana. As you drift into the song, the music has so many undertones and things happening but yet feels smooth like you’re floating hence the atmospheric vibe. As lead vocalist Taylor Ludlow comes in, he stands out both in the mix of the song and adds another dynamic of the song. It takes about 1:30 for the song to really pick up and have an energetic boost to the song, but it doesn’t last too long, just long enough to get a taste for more! Like I said before, this song is in my opinion the most experimental not only musically but song structure and music choice. A little over midway, there is a really unique and cool part where you can hear the guitarist doing something in the background with what I can guess are a multitude of effect pedals, and there is an effect on the vocals that make it sound like a sound clip. To me, that was the part where I was hooked and convinced that they saved the longest for last and knew this would be the perfect send off for this EP. 

This song in particular sounds like it was heavily influenced by bands like The Contortionist. They also take the atmospheric vibe and weave in and out of the heavier parts. One thing is for sure, this song shows off the musicianship of every member of this band in a beautiful display of music. If you’re into prog and into the music theory side of music, I highly suggest listening to this song. I know you’ll be hooked.