With their Hopeless debut,
Ever We Fall has created a dreamy, pop-influenced indie rock record complete with lush vocal harmonies and pop-tinged melodies that brim over with sentimental and earnest lyrics. From the beginning notes of "Youth Like Tiger" and the pop-punk tendencies of the nostalgic "Schoolyard Crush," the band sets the stage early for the rest of the album, both stylistically and lyrically. "We will grow up on our own terms/Our life is all our own," from the first track, is a shining example of similar feelings to come. This youthful innocence serves as the basis of many songs that talk of dreams, aspirations, and growing up, but does so with an overall endearing nature instead of everything coming off as simply naïve. Adam Brazie's voice is at times reminiscent of
the Get Up Kids, and especially considering the second half of
We Are But Human, one starts to assume that at least someone in the band must have listened to
the Kids growing up -- listen to "G" and try denying it wouldn't fit right in on
On a Wire.
Ever We Fall's debut often uses much more intricate and mellow arrangements than one might initially expect from a trio, but aside from a few moments of boredom, it mostly works for them. Altogether,
We Are But Human comes off as a rather enjoyable emo listen that shows promise. But when a group starts its album with "Look what we've done/Years have past, but this is all still fun/And all of it just feels right," it will be interesting to see what happens if and when the bandmembers become jaded by the world around them. ~ Corey Apar