[CD REVIEW] Innisfallen – REALlusion (2007)

Finely printed on a sticker adhered to the cover of Innisfallen’s debut album, REALlusion are the words, “The second best English rock band in Hong Kong” –– this begs the question who is no. 1?  Rank/Positioning aside, it is surely no false claim that the band is one of the top English rock bands to come from the once British Colony.  Formed by 4 young lads in Hong Kong, the band has a sound that is firmly rooted in the West, as musical hints of Brit-rock mainstays such as Radiohead, Blur or The Cure are evident in their sound.  The outcome is definitely a good one, as REALlusion may be one of the best Brit-rock albums that did not come out of Europe.

Innisfallen’s name is taken from the Innisfallen Islands located in Ireland, a very religious area that houses the ruins of the Innisfallen Abbey –– an important relic of early Christianity history.  Though the band’s music does not show any specific religious beliefs, there is a glorious and cathartic feeling to their sound that shines like the best of worship music.  This is no better demonstrated on “Of A Beautiful Soul”, which is built upon a sweeping arpeggio melody that drives forward and accentuates lead singer, Eric Cheung’s distinct wobbly voice.  By the time the song arrives at its momentous chorus, we as listeners cannot help but feel invested in the music’s emotional weight.  This is the same case with the centerpiece of the album, “Butterfly Effect” –– a fun bright tune that conjures up images of adventure and exploration.  The song evokes strong emotions and is no less enhanced by the wonderful stop-action music video that accompanies it (as included below).

Along with making sincerely emotional music, the band also understands how to wears it’s Brit-rock influences gracefully, songs such as “Hours Of Rain”, “Winter” and “Sounds Behind The Wall” sees the band channeling 90’s era Oasis.  While tracks like “No Reply (The Reprise)” harkens to slight tribal percussive influenced songs such as “There There” by Radiohead or “Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)” by the Talking Heads, other times the band even sees shoegaze influences like on the hidden track “Empty Shell”.

Going back to the question as hinted earlier: “Who is the no. 1 English Rock band in Hong Kong?”  With a strong release such as REALlusion, the answer may not be all that important after all.

Butterfly Effect MV | Innisfallen

Recommended tracks: 04, 06, 10

Track Listing:
01. < >
02. Hours Of Rain
03. Winter
04. Of A Beautiful Soul
05. No Reply (The Reprise)
06. Sounds Behind The Wall
07. Butterfly Effect
08. 1:23
09. Hair Stings
10. Song For Wistaria
11. Jackstraws
12. The Last Cold Front
13. Empty Shell (Hidden Track)

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lojun

I like to spend my time on the internet searching for the meaning of life. When I am not doing this you can find me listening to music or playing the bass…or stuffing myself silly on Burritos.

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