2020Soundsystem Falling
As the full-band project of Leeds-based DJ Ralph Lawson, 2020Soundsystem prides itself primarily on its […]
As the full-band project of Leeds-based DJ Ralph Lawson, 2020Soundsystem prides itself primarily on its live performances, but their M.O. as a studio outfit is unclear. Their second full-length album, Falling—not a mix, but 12 discrete tracks—forgoes guest vocalists, putting bassist Fernando Pulichino’s voice up front throughout, but even with a consistent frontman, Falling still feels faceless as a band project. When they try to “rock,” as on opener “We Get Down” and the overlong, goth-aping “Closure,” it rings rather hollow. That said, there are some solid house tracks here, like the jittery “Broken” and lead single “Psycho,” and the bass and lazy hook of glam-disco cut “Ocean” are pretty stellar. Perhaps their gigs make more sense.