After years of releasing albums in dribs and drabs, A.C.T. has suddenly developed a passion for EPs. First with "Rebirth" in 2019, then with "Heatwave" in 2021, and never 2 without 3, with "Falling" this year.
The principle of the EP is to give the public a little more than a single, in order to let them discover a musical universe without having to release a full album. This format is interesting but we could have hoped for a more conventional production. However, this EP has the advantage of being very heterogeneous, which makes it very pleasant to listen to. If at times it's close to a musical, at other times it flirts with the 80's hit when it doesn't sound like the credits of a Japanese cartoon.
Fans of the Swedish band won't be surprised, but those less used to it might find the style peculiar. Don't get me wrong, A.C.T. is a rock band and the advantage of their music is that it is not only suitable for a wide audience, it is also invigorating. Indeed, A.C.T. plays upbeat progressive rock that lifts the spirits, contrary to what the album title suggests. It even has a taste of victory, this music that makes you want to raise your fist... That is, until the intro of 'A Race Against Time' s the most sensitive ones and keeps only the progressive metal fans in the race. Because yes, A.C.T. have already proved that they have the talent to switch from rock to metal at will. That said, our Swedes are so compassionate that they offer those who would have remained on the station platform at each hardening of tone, to get back on the wagon in a festive atmosphere, like on 'One Last Goodbye'.
"Falling" is an airy, colourful and convincing EP. Only, as one might have feared with this mini-format, the listener is left wanting. The band's trademark eclecticism makes the album so digestible that the 30-minute set list ends far too abruptly. It's always a shame to turn the lights back on when the party starts...