Search - Dolphin Brothers :: Catch the Fall

Catch The Fall

Andrew Kitts | Benfleet, Essex United Kingdom | 06/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album received very lukewarm reviews when it was released in 1987, but like all things, it's your own personal taste that counts. Steve Jansen was slated for not having a powerful, rock-based voice, but on this album, his voice fits perfectly. The uncluttered and simple production emphasises the quality of the music and the artists that perform it, with a general mellowness that runs through the whole album. There are definite echoes of Japan, as you would expect, but also a deeper and more thoughtful quality as shown in the title track and also on 'My Winter'. No, it's not mainstream pop/rock music (and hooray for that), but it is a superb album which I would recommend very strongly if you like your music to be more reflective and moody."

Distinctive, and Soothing.

woofskin | Melbourne, Australia. | 08/04/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Being a huge Japan fan, I approached this album with both excitment, and fear.
I came away happy, and thankful.
Steve Jansen shows his flair for song writing, and unique approach to vocals.
Richard Barbieri doesnt disappoint either, with his wonderful approach to sound,texture,and a share of the writing credits."Catch The Fall" is a collection of both "pop", and some amazingly moving introprosective tunes. The title track opens the album beautifully, I kind of wished they continued the album in this vein, but the following four tracks change the mood to a more uptempo/pop feel. In spite of that,these are well written and worthy of a good listening to. The final three tracks are flawless, totally wonderful, and are the highlight of this album. The mood swings back to the opening track, and you can easily loose yourself in the sounds, and moods these tracks present. Its truley blissful.All in all, a great album, and deserves to sit beside any Japan album.Highlights "Catch The Fall", "My Winter", and "Pushing The River""

An admirable if uneven album

B. J. C. White | Christchurch, New Zealand | 06/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to agree with other reviewers who have commented about the way this disc falls into two parts: the popscapes of songs like "Shining" and "Second Sight" and then the gorgeous artistry of the title track, "Host to the Holy", "My Winter" and the wonderful "Pushing the River." Whilst the other tracks are catchy and enjoyable, they fail to maintain the intensity established on the album opener, "Catch the Fall".

I must comment on the occasionally uncanny resemblance between the singing voice of Steve Jansen to that of his brother David Sylvian - although Steve's voice is certainly sweeter, by and large than David's hefty new-romantic croon.

As to the songs themselves, "Catch the Fall" is simply brilliant, a song that will appeal to any self-respecting Sylvian/Japan/Rain Tree Crow/Mick Karn fan. The wailing solo in the middle of the song and the ethereal vocals/bittersweet lyrics - "Falling down/Without a sound/It must be this summer that never ends" - suggest a classic set of songs. Sadly it isn't quite so. In fact, its not until "Pushing the River" that the searing intensity of "Catch the Fall" is matched, although "My Winter" is suitably icy - a nice piece of tone painting, and "Host to the Holy" has interesting lyrics and a great double bass solo. But "Pushing the River" is a super track - certainly pop-tinged but also marked by polyrhythms and punchy brass (or mayhap that's synth-brass - doesn't matter it sounds good regardless!) and a catchy chorus: "I walk the days/Until the rain came pouring, pouring down again/Why do I need miracles/To see you?"

Anyways: the songs that don't hit the mark are much much better than OK, and the very good sngs don't just hit a bullseye, they supercede it - hence the rating. Enjoy."