A resonating, melodic rock spiritedness shows throughout the debut album from Norwegian quartet Of All Things. Drawing widespread acclaim for their fervent live performances, they now impress in studio form via Falling In Line With The Person In Front Of You; the release captures the talents of singer/songwriter Emma Putnam, guitarist Lars Ystebø, bassist Andreas Siem, and drummer Lars Inge Torp. A stylish mixture of peppy pop, grungy rock vigor, and modern alternative proves enjoyable across the album’s 11 tracks.
Alongside a consistently melodic production arises a poignant, impactful thematic pursuit — venturing into the trials of adulthood, and particularly that of artists that struggle to exist within an industry dominated by nepotism and artifice. The album title itself references a conformity that can be required to succeed, in the music industry and general adulthood — winning out over individual authenticity. Album track “Feet in the Heat” is particularly relevant in this thematic context. “Will you stay the same or play the game?” Putnam asks, later referencing “nepo babies,” climbing ahead, and existing within a game that provides advantage to those with fortuitous connections and circumstances.
The album plays as a cathartic listening experience, acknowledging the temptations of “falling in line,” though nonetheless persisting with an individual ardency. Opening track “Know The Rain” admits “I’d rather live than survive,” with convincing passion. “I’ll leave you behind if I have to,” they soar during a riveting chorus, excelling into grungy guitar crunchiness and an anthemic delivery with shades of Wolf Alice. Elsewhere, “Will You Give It A Taste?” moves from a post-punk bass crawl into bursting guitar momentum, as vocals beckon not to forget them within the crowd — conveying a grittier, melancholic acknowledgement of risk-taking’s more “all alone,” culminations.
Highlights are abound throughout the release, spanning from dreamier intrigue to heavy rock charisma. A sense of suffocation on “Going Red Going Green” develops seamlessly from lush vocal backings into a twangy, hook-forward rock enamoring — showcasing the band’s versatile sound in its production alone. Beyond, “Ink Stain” develops from bass-heavy pulsations into a hard-rocking passion, strutting the band’s contagious energy, a frequent point of acclaim during their live shows. Album finale “You’ve Got to Know” moves with patiently unfolding precision, weaving jangling guitar momentum into a satiating rhythmic embrace. Quaint guitars and bursts of warming distortion are complemented seamlessly by Putnam’s dynamic vocal presence; it makes for a proper send-off to the fantastic Falling In Line With The Person In Front Of You.
