Rainfalls
III
(Self Released)
Hailing from Glasgow, Rainfalls play post-hardcore with a raw intensity matched by the standards of the genre. Their sound is rough and scratchy around the edges, but their purpose of serving emotionally charged music hits, just not as strong as it could be on III. But that doesn’t take away from the grip they have on writing their music.
Aside from the punk driven “Brighter,” most of the tracks across III have a way to go in terms of build. “Brighter” kicks right out of the gate with gnashing guitar riffs. The other tracks focus on melodies growing till the point of release, unleashing a flashy, slow beatdown. “Home Sweet” is a perfect example of this, with the final melody transcending the overall harmony and transitioning into a pulse of breakdowns as the song’s heavy climax rides out till the closing seconds.
The only real issue is much of this recipe has been played out before. On opener “This Is A Revolution,” the police brutality is questioned outright, marking a quasi-political vibe. It’s in punk spirits, with a telltale belief that something has to change, and it could very well be the music. This genre has been filled to the brim with music just like this, making Rainfalls another in the huge swirl. At the end of the day, a song like “Plague Bearer” will over and over get the job done, but there’s many others to be listening to as well in the same light. That all being said, it’s an honest assault that makes III an enjoyable listen nonetheless.
