Brother Dolly returns with “As I Fall I Feel Alive,” a track that lingers in a split second and stretches it into something hypnotic, uneasy, and strangely beautiful. Inspired by Puerto Rican boxer Paul Bamba, the song circles a fascinating question: about what happens in that suspended moment after the blow lands but before the body hits the ground? It’s a concept that could’ve gone purely cinematic, but instead, the band leans inward, turning it into something psychological, almost philosophical. Following their debut “Transmission Number 5,” this second release feels more immersive, more daring.
Right from the outset, “As I Fall I Feel Alive” pulls you into its orbit with glimmering, chiming textures that feel like you’re drifting through a sonic vortex. It’s dreamy, sure, but there’s an undercurrent of tension humming beneath it. The vocals arrive like a distant cry, wailing, soulful, almost disembodied, before the track subtly shifts gears. Then comes the beat, landing with a steady, catchy pulse that grounds the otherwise otherworldly atmosphere. It’s downtempo, but don’t mistake that for sleepy, because the track fizzes with energy.
As things unfold, the instrumentation becomes this fascinating blend of the organic and the experimental. Found sounds buzz and flicker at the edges, adding a quirky, tactile layer that keeps you slightly off-balance. Meanwhile, his voice softens, turning tender and introspective. He sings, “Is it only do or die / Is it the moment I disappear?” with a sense of searching for some sense of purpose coming from within, like he’s trying to make peace with something he doesn’t fully understand.
By the end, “As I Fall I Feel Alive” feels less about boxing and more about that human tendency to flirt with our own limits. It’s addictive, much like the feeling it’s trying to capture.
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Review by: Naomi Joan