The opening song of Falling and Laughing’s EP Bunnyhood states, “We should all take up fanzine writing, because we know music’s more exciting…
than the critics let us know.”  So, let the situational irony of this very moment sink in. Now finish reading this review (or I guess make your own fanzine).

Honestly, it’s difficult to connect to the EP without really challenging yourself. The two-piece Brit-pop act native to Birmingham seems to understand the concept of catchy pop tunes,  but the simple fact that one instrument is playing “musical notes” is often underwhelming. But challenge can be a good thing. Instrumentally, the two-piece gels about as well as a guitarist and drummer can. The two explore dynamics more than the likes of any melodic overlaying (most likely because there isn’t enough “music” to overlay). Surprisingly, the integrity in the clean-toned riffs and sporadic rhythms create enough force to prove a “Brit-pop two-piece” can actually be a real phrase. Ah there’s hope for the pair of British blokes after all.

Tracks like “Kim’s Song” and “Stockholm Archipelago” testify most to Falling and Laughing’s musical potential. It seems that as every band must journey that mysterious trail of self expression, the Birmingham duo have only begun the trek. One of the few things I did find unique was the subtle wit in the lyrical writing: “Indie wars were not about guitars, goodbye faceless writers at the NME”. Although the “angsty” themes are nothing new to an indie post-rock junkie,  the dosage is just barely enough to withhold any eye-rolling.

Frankly, with Bunnyhood, Falling and Laughing prove they deserve some sort of place in the indie scene, but it may take another release or two to really see them shine.

(Odd Box Records, no address provided)