Status Foe

Falling Awake

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Falling Awake

An Indianapolis outfit that runs the gamut of rock’n’roll sounds, Status Foe are just as likely to bring charged guitar riffs as they are warm pedal steel across these 12 timeless tracks.

“Call It As It Is” starts the listen with Colby Holmes’ distinct and inviting pipes steering the rugged climate, and “Why Try/We’re Nothing” follows with a hint of psychedelia under the proficient guitar riffs and dynamic rhythm section.

In the middle, “By Myself” brings grit and melody into a thumping version of lively midwestern rock, while “It Was Overstated” gets rugged and melodic with the band’s unique approach. ”Peeled And Faded”, the album’s best track, then showcases the robust drumming and swirling guitar work as a shimmering quality enters the diverse landscape.

Nearing the end, the album’s best, “Lenses Of Greed”, gets thick and mesmerizing with some hints at prog-rock, and “A Beer For Henry” exits the with all the members contributing their respective strengths to the band’s inimitable formula.

A listen that’s steeped in midwestern traditions, Status Foe are all over the map here, and we’re all better off for it, especially for those with a penchant for guitar driven song craft.

Travels well with: Carrier- When New York Is Drowning; Dizzy Box Nine- Last Call Before The Fall