Rough Edge: Falcon CD Reviews

FALCON

"Falcon" (Liquid Flames; 2004)

There's not a lot I can say about Falcon's full-length CD that I didn't say about their earlier demo except that here there's a lot more of it (ten tracks, as opposed to just four). The production may be a little clearer here, too, but it was good to begin with so it's hard to tell. All in all, however, it's just more of a good thing and that works just fine for me.

Surprisingly, Perry Grayson's retro songwriting style doesn't lose any steam despite the CD featuring over twice the songs, with each track sounding dynamic and new even though its roots are firmly planted in 70s guitar rock. There's a hint of stoner sound here, too, for those who like their music with a little more bottom.

The band also pays tribute to one of its biggest influences, covering Bang's "Redman" from their self-titled 1972 album.

The word "unique" gets thrown around a lot these days but I truly believe that Falcon's self-titled CD is truly just that.

Falcon: Perry Grayson - guitar / vocals; Greg Lindstrom - bass / keyboards; Darrin McCloskey - drums; Andrew Sample - liver drummer.

For more information, check out www.falconband.net.

"Demo 2003" (self-produced; 2003)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Falcon is a '70s metal project formed by guitarist Perry Grayson, formerly of Destiny's End. Grayson is a huge fan of such early heavy bands as Australia's Buffalo, Trapeze, Dust, Captain Beyond, Budgie, Bang, Thin Lizzy, Mountain, and Blue Oyster Cult. Grayson may have been thinking of those bands when creating Falcon as well but, as one listens to this 4-track demo, it's obvious another band was in Grayson's head: Cirith Ungol.

Falcon sound more like the legendary Ventura County rockers than any other band that comes immediately to mind. Like Cirith Ungol, Falcon features blistering and sultry guitar riffs, epically written tunes and screeching vocals that fit the music to the proverbial "T."

None of this is an accident, of course. Joining Grayson in Falcon is none other than Greg Lindstrom, an original Cirith Ungol member who wrote most of the band's classic tunes and who also performed guitar, keyboards, synthesizers and more with the band. Lindstrom performs bass for most of the demo, adding keyboards and a lead guitar riff for his own "Shelob's Lair."

Most of the songs on this demo were written by Grayson, who seems to know the 70s genre pretty well. Lindstrom writes songs that could have been written and recorded thirty years ago, but that have a vibrant freshness that makes them stand on their own today.

Fans of any of the bands mentioned above, but in particular Cirith Ungol, will find Falcon to their liking.

Falcon: Perry Grayson - Guitar / Vocals; Greg Lindstrom - Bass / Keyboard / Lead Guitar on "Shelob's Lair"; Darin McCloskey - Drums.

For more information, check out http://www.falconband.net.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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