Long Fall Back to Earth

Personnel: Katie Herzig (vocals); Gabe Ruschival (keyboard bass, bass instrument, percussion); Jeremy Lutito (drums, percussion, loops).
Audio Mixer: Jay Ruston.
Jars of Clay's previous studio effort, 2006's GOOD MONSTERS, saw the band focusing on its heavier side, with raging electric guitars and pounding drums to the fore. THE FALL BACK TO EARTH retains some of its predecessor's energy and drive but delves into more experimental sonic territory. Though the album features some of the Illinois-based group's sharpest and most direct pop songs, it matches standard rock instrumentation with various electronic textures, giving the overall product a mysterious, intimate feel. Throughout, there are echoes of classic 1980s bands, particularly U2. "Boys (Lesson One)" features cut-and-pasted drum `n' bass-style rhythms and a gentle vocal reminiscent of Death Cab for Cutie's Ben Gibbard, while "Heaven" is all wailing Duran Duran-style dance-club fire. THE FALL BACK TO EARTH reveals Jars of Clay as a band that finds inspiration in both its faith and its musical curiosity.