Reviewed by Jeremy Williams

Refreshingly, 'Crashings' demonstrates all the power of nu-metal but none of the angst and self-pity of its major exponents. The formula is simple: bass, drums, twin-guitar assault and a keyboardist/DJ to add depth and interest, playing songs that are heavy but uncompromising on melody, with big choruses and three-way harmonies. It's a sound that will be instantly familiar to fans of Linkin Park or Incubus. Though musically similar, the differences in lyrical content are undeniable. 'Crashings' offers a message of hope, life and meaning rather than the despair and frustration usually associated with the genre. The sleevenotes reveal that each song relates directly to a Bible verse, and the P.O.D.-like "Jacksonfive" (featuring members of Kutless and Demon Hunter) serves as a statement of intent: "If it wasn't for Christ then I'd drop this mic and walk away." As I write, the single "Broken Heart" is the most played Christian rock song in the US. Considering there are three or four equally compelling potential hits in "Bittersweet", "Escalates" or "New Hope Generation", expect to hear plenty more from Falling Up.

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