Let's start with some info. Bozeman in Montana, USA is where it all started with the band FLOODFALL. I have been on the site of the band, and I can't find the time that these guys got together. And,m as these two have the same surname, what kind of connection they have with each other. So, I am not in a position to tell you a whole lot more. What I do know is they have since relocated to Portland in Oregon. Musically they started life by releasing their debut album “Ashes Of The Ordinary” in 2019. A feat that has somehow completely passed me by. Now, some five years later, they have made a followup, resulting in their sophomore album, which for some reason they have named “Unbroken”. As for a musical direction, I can't shake the feeling that these two guys (father and son?) want to make pop music, but just love the sound of distorted guitars too much. Sdo, now you know where top place them. Or do you?

The thing is, all the songs have a very recognisable and predictable setup, and are sung in a voice that is trying very hard to sound convincing, but alas for them, sorely failing that challenge royally. Is it really that bad, you ask me? No, it's not, but never do I get the vibe that David Hearst sounds like he means it, more like how far his (very limited) range goes. And it is a major drawback on the whole experience that FLOODFALL is trying to give us, making “Unbroken” sounding anything but.

Before you think I am slaying them even further, I have to say that however recognisable and predictable the songs may be, they all have a touch of what could work. But these guys really do need more input from other musicians, someone to kick their butts into the next gear, or even higher. Plus, they really do need a singer that can bring these tunes to life. Now they are surviving by a thread, and some are really failing at that too. I always try to see the positive in the music I review, but FLOODFALL is making that very difficult. If they come back as a real band next time (will there be one?), I would love to be the one to congratulate them if they get it right. It's just that they haven't on “Unbroken”.