Soaring Through the Chaos: The Open Flames’ “Falling Up” Burns Bright

Press play and dive in. “Falling Up” isn’t just a song—it’s a journey through tension, release, and the beautifully unpredictable highs and lows of life. The Open Flames, fresh off their growing reputation in the post-punk revival, bring us a track that is equal parts raw energy and poetic storytelling, wrapped in an explosive soundscape.

From the first note, there’s an irresistible push-and-pull—Eastman’s gravelly, introspective vocals climb over moody, spiraling guitar work, while Evan Sult’s drums pulse like a heartbeat on the brink of chaos. It’s anthemic but intimate, controlled but teetering on the edge, capturing that feeling of rising against the odds even as everything crumbles beneath you. The title itself, Falling Up, is a contradiction that mirrors the song’s shifting dynamics—swelling verses give way to crashing choruses, bending the line between ascent and descent, triumph and collapse.

What makes this track truly stick is its emotional honesty. The band doesn’t just play music—they tell stories, weaving vivid imagery through the distortion-laced melodies. There are echoes of early R.E.M. and flashes of Neil Young’s raw guitar fuzz, but The Open Flames carve their own path, proving that nostalgia and innovation can coexist.

By the time the last note fades, Falling Up lingers—haunting, exhilarating, and impossible to ignore. If this track is any indication, The Open Flames aren’t just riding the post-punk revival wave—they’re setting it ablaze.