Ethereal and gentle, the new tune from Nashville-based Incandenza shimmers softly and hazily into focus.
The musical vehicle of guitarist, producer, singer and songwriter Samuel Wilson, Before The Fall is emblematic of Incandenza’s penchant for pairing elements of indie, alt rock and psych to formulate a distinct, now-trademark sound. Releasing music under the moniker since 2024, the long-gestating full-length debut album that the song is taken from is called Changing The Narrative and it’s out now.
Before The Fall feels full of contradiction. It feels large and anthemic but also, at times, understated, reserved and intimate, soft and beautiful but also hard hitting and bold.
It seems to blend the songwriting of early Radiohead, the ambition of the Flaming Lips, the scope of The War On Drugs and the musicality of The Verve to make something that feels assuringly familiar but also excitingly fresh.
Somewhat tellingly, Wilson is also a longtime session and touring musician whose credits include work with established artists like Mary Chapin Carpenter, John Oates, The War and Treaty and Morgan Wade. We’d suggest this versatility and work ethic has lent itself well to Wilson’s own songs writing and solo career and has resulted in work that feels fully formed and expertly realised.
A couple of weeks ago the band (performing as a trio) played their first show at Los Angeles legendary Viper Room. Where they’ll pop up next is still up in the air, but be sure to catch them if you can.
Written by Kinda Grizzly
