Fear of Falling Find the Groove Again with “When I Danced With Mary”
Fear of Falling have always danced on the edge of mainstream and innovation, but their latest single “When I Danced With Mary” takes a confident step back into a time when pop was king, and melodies were made to stick in your head like honey on a warm day. Dropped just three months after their fifth album Speak Low, this track is more than just a new release—it’s a testament to a band that understands the power of a well-told story set to a timeless groove.
The New Jersey-based alt-rock outfit, who’ve been crafting their distinct sound since the 1980s, have always been adept at channeling their influences without being beholden to them. With “When I Danced With Mary,” they bring us a breezy, retro-infused pop tune that feels as fresh as it does familiar. Clocking in at a crisp 2:19, the track is a concise slice of pop perfection that showcases the band’s knack for catchy hooks and rich, layered harmonies.
From the very first strum, “When I Danced With Mary” feels like slipping on a vintage record that’s somehow been perfectly preserved. There’s an undeniable 1960s vibe running through the song—a little bit of Elvis Costello’s witty charm, a touch of The Monkees’ buoyant energy, and a sprinkle of The Supremes’ soulful sheen. Yet, the track never falls into pastiche. Instead, it’s a loving nod to the past, reframed through Fear of Falling’s modern alt-rock lens.
Steve Lanni’s vocals are at their best here—soft yet sure, with a touch of wistfulness that complements the song’s narrative of bittersweet reminiscence. The vocal harmonies, bolstered by the addition of New Jersey singer-songwriter Jessica Owen, add a layer of warmth and depth, evoking a classic call-and-response dynamic that brings a smile to your face.
Instrumentally, the band is in top form. Kimon Katafigiotis’s production at The Ultrascene ensures that every element shines without overshadowing the others. The electric guitars and piano interplay with a laid-back ease, while Bruce DiBisceglie’s bass lines provide a steady, grounding pulse. Rob Savoy’s drums keep the rhythm tight and crisp, driving the song forward without ever feeling rushed.
But what truly elevates “When I Danced With Mary” is its ability to transcend the nostalgia that inspired it. This isn’t just a song about looking back—it’s a track that invites the listener to join in on the dance, to find joy in the present moment even as we reflect on the past. It’s a fitting theme for a band that reunited on the back of this very track, a song that quite literally brought them back together after years apart.
Quark Records, knowing they have something special on their hands, have smartly decided to release “When I Danced With Mary” as a limited-edition CD single, packaged in a white paper sleeve that mimics the look of vintage 7″ 45s. It’s a clever nod to the song’s retro influences and a must-have for fans of the band and collectors of classic pop memorabilia alike.
As Fear of Falling continue to prove with each new release, they are a band that knows where they’ve come from and where they’re going. “When I Danced With Mary” is a delightful reminder that sometimes, the best way forward is to take a moment to look back, smile, and dance like nobody’s watching.
Listen to “When I Danced With Mary” on August 16th, 2024. Available on all major streaming platforms.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0b8G26nX3Lz96hz19kdxD5?si=kpMfRkzGTJaOBvwS4SbHyw
https://linktr.ee/fof.usa
https://www.instagram.com/thisis_fearoffalling/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086327221152
