On April 10, 2020, DAWNWALKER released "Crestfallen." DAWNWALKER is a UK experimental rock band led by Mark Norgate. It grew from a solo project to a musical collective featuring a variety of musicians with many different musical backgrounds. While this EP was released under the band name DAWNWALKER, it was actually a collaborative effort between friends. Collaborators include members of the bands SACRED SON, GOLD BABY, RUN REMEDY, TURBOMANIACS, and METASOMA.

Typically, I do not review rock bands, but "Crestfallen" is no typical rock band. Sure, a majority of the album is light and melodic, however, a few of the tracks also contain sections of furious black metal, with the screaming to go along with it.

The titular "Crestfallen" starts off the album. The many instruments produce a layered sound to back the slightly buried gentle singing. Of note is the strong bass guitar that becomes more prominent in the latter half of the song. "Pollen Cloud" starts with a dreamy sound and gentle singing. In the second half, the drumming quickens the pace of the track with a cymbal (I believe) heavy beat. The use of the cymbals adds to the dreamy sound and light tone even with the quicker beat.

"Towpath" is the heaviest song of the album thus far. Though definitely metal, it blends black metal screaming and riffs with a bit of complex drumming. The last minute is a quick return to the gentle and soft melancholic sound from the past two songs. "Lost Wisdom" is a cover of a MOUNT EERIE song, done in a way that conveys the feelings of the original, but with much more rock flair. Aside from the noticeable drumming, the original surely did not culminate with blast beats and screaming.

Overall, "Crestfallen" is a recommended listen if you're into experimental or folk rock and lighter post-black metal. The album is airy and dreamy but conveys heavy feelings of wistful nostalgia.