The Cork band Flywheel have a real sense of admiration when they tackle “I Want to Join The Fall”, yet they are not aiming to produce a straightforward tribute. The song examines the band’s long-standing fascination with The Fall and, specifically, with Mark E. Smith, while at the same time acknowledging the more unpleasant elements of his biography. This balance is what gives the song its interesting character. It is entirely possible to appreciate what an artist has created and at the same time raise questions about the person who produced it, and Flywheel incorporate that tension into the song rather than attempting to conceal it.
Krautrock’s influence is evident in the track’s driving rhythm, and at the same time Smith’s association with Can as well as his ‘I Am Damo Suzuki’ tribute is in the background. A strong bass line keeps the song going as the guitars and various layers of noise are added around Ann Marie Ryan’s voice. This mix gives “I Want to Join The Fall” a rough post-punk character without giving up the more hazy aspect of Flywheel’s sound. The guitars provide a good deal of texture, but they never fully dominate the song, thus enabling the vocals to stay a significant element of the song’s structure.
What makes the track so interesting is the manner in which it alters as it nears the end; the tension established earlier by the bass, the guitars and the noise begins to ease off and the piece moves into a softer, more melodic dream-pop conclusion. The change seems natural rather than abrupt and it is appropriate given the subject of the song. The transition from a more confrontational atmosphere to one of acceptance gives the final section a different significance, leaving the listener with the impression that Flywheel are coming to terms with the complicated history they are examining.
The song “I Want to Join The Fall” is sincere but doesn’t become excessively sentimental. Flywheel are showing their respect for music which has obviously meant a great deal to them, at the same time refusing to overlook the contradictions associated with the creator. Ann Marie Ryan’s voice is clearly dominant within the arrangement, the bass, the guitars and the noise offering the underlying tension. Since it is the third track from their intended five-song EP, it is a solid contribution to the band’s new phase and at the same time a fascinating piece of work in itself.
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