ET and the Alien - Fallen Daughter

ET and the Alien

Fallen Daughter
self-released; 2014

3.3 out of 5

By Ethan Skelton

Fallen Daughter might not be ET and the Alien’s crowning achievement, but it has a good introduction to it that makes me appreciate where they might grow. In some departments they are fun and infectious and in others they are too passive and non-engaging. This group from down under is on top of that indie garage sound and the album’s title track is their staple piece for sure. 

From that opening hook and those sloshy hats with the quicker than usual tempo…I was in for the win. It has fun movement throughout and doesn’t drop off for some solo or left field bridge like other acts might choose to do. Just ride the feels, stack some tension and break like a wave of fresh rebellion. The guitars weave some catchy lines, but never quite nail the marker on tone at least for me. The general mix could use some further attention especially in the mid range so as to give the electrics more body. 

“From Afar” has a dreamy ‘80s quality to the opening riff and the bass line is in full support, coming clear through the mix and picking little windows to run amidst the well-orchestrated steps and jumps. The chorus has a great in-between tonality that isn’t quite minor or major, giving it an enigmatic appeal similar to old U2. “Summer Days” almost sounds like a ‘70s breezy soft rock number, I’m just waiting for Don Henley to come in and melt some hearts. But before it gets too comfortable in cruise control, the grit of rock makes its entrance and things are never the same, especially when the drums pick it up into full time. 

To be honest, I liked the beginning’s potential for a light coastal shore jam. It goes in tandem between the two, but there’s too much disconnect to convince me of musicality, it’s more a combination of different styles they were playing with and wanted to bring together. Nothing wrong with, but sometimes it’s just done with more cohesion and purpose. Leaving things on a somber note is “Rusty Rocks.” It’s slow burning like a cherished fuse. Worth the listen, just a touch longer than necessary.

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