All India Radio Issue #37

Fall (Minty Fresh)

By Emily Becker
Published: September 1st, 2008 | 6:07pm

After listening to Leona Prue’s vocals on Fall — All India Radio’s seventh full-length release, but Prue’s debut — it’s hard to remember the six other releases without her. A chanteuse akin to Beth Orton or Dido, Prue’s emotional, technically pure voice commands attention, and takes All India Radio’s ambient, post-rock sound beyond its previous niche as intriguing background music.

Helmed by guitarist Martin Kennedy, All India Radio sounds both global and otherworldly — giving no indication of its members’ Australian roots. Judiciously placed strings, which accent the rhythms of Mark Wendt (bass) and Ben Sims (drums), structure the lush layers of electronica on the record’s strongest tracks (“Persist,” “Fall,” “Chameleon”). Although lost love is a common lyrical theme on the album, ultimately, it’s the sound Prue makes rather than the meaning behind her words that takes center stage. On the title track, she holds the notes at the end of each verse and then goes on an impressive run at the chorus. Prue’s voice dominates the mix but at times, it can be just too much (“Let Me Remain,” “Endless Night”). Including a stronger instrumental track instead of just reworking “Morning Drops” as “Morning Drops Ambient” would have given the listener some much-needed breathing room.

Ultimately, Fall stands out because of its warmth. It never succumbs to frigidity like so many other heavily programmed albums. It may be just the thing to ward off autumn’s inevitable chill.

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