Self-released
Rock with instrumental skill despite some vocal issues.

Upon first laying eyes on the cover art of Fate Arising’s album Reflections of A Lost Reality, one might expect something with a deep, dark sound and angry, growling guitars. This is not so much the case.

“Beyond My Reach” hits home as one of the brightest spots on the album. It is the most intriguing to listen to and demands the most attention. Power is fused with melody in this song, and it was one I found myself going back to again and again for another listen.

            Meanwhile, “I. Misfortune” is the guilty pleasure. It is captivating from the beginning, and displays a darker presence. The guitar riffs are heavenly and catchy, and the first time it is played a listener could easily fall in love. It is fair to say this is the best track.

Throughout my listening of this album, I couldn’t quite put my thumb on what I felt was off about it. It’s nothing big; there is great sound, potent lyrics and each instrument is handled with a fair amount of talent. But that crazy little thing, that feeling that something was “off’ finally clicked into place when I realized that most of the songs took me back to what 1987 sounded like vocally.

Pat Lamar and Derek Tuttle, who respectively serve as guitar and bass players, feature vocals that are reminiscent of those you would hear in a late 80’s, early 90’s alt-pop rock ballad. It isn’t always a bad thing. I just knew I had definitely heard the likes of these vocals before.
           
Due to this, I feel that the impact of a lot of the songs comes across as a little weak and the album sophomoric. This works delightfully, however, in “She’s the One,” the album’s token acoustic song. The vocals are a little off-key in places, providing dissonance in the song, but overall I must admit it is a light, airy, little ditty that I picture myself frolicking through a field to. It is upbeat and has a steady tempo that the listener will undeniably tap their foot to.
           
Joe Wolford’s guitar is praiseworthy on “II. The Ivory Tower.” The man obviously has skill and displays it here, in a song that is more instrumental prowess than vocals (yay!). The minimal “singing” is actually more like talking.  The “light on vocals, heavy on instrumentals” formula is what makes it a success.
           
Despite the band’s vocal pitfalls, Reflections of A Lost Reality is honestly a good album. I wouldn’t say great, but I will say good. Much of it has been heard before in garages everywhere. But oftentimes that’s where greatness begins. Fate Arising has certainly produced an album worth listening to, but in years to come they can only grow better with age.