Salt Lake City’s MJ Lake has delivered an evocative and authentic piece of artistry with his latest album ‘Falling From The Floor’. Recorded live at Orchard Studios, this album harks back to a time when music captured the raw immediacy of live performance. With Daniel Young at the production helm and a stellar lineup of contributors including Dylan Schorer, M. Horton Smith, Travis Mickelson, and Joshy Soul, the album embodies a collaborative spirit that radiates throughout its tracks.
Rooted in the traditions of rock and folk legends like Tom Petty and Neil Young, Lake’s songwriting offers a blend of introspection and storytelling. Standout tracks like ‘Loose in the Backseat’ channel the anthemic energy of Springsteen’s golden era, while ‘We Can Pretend’ strips back to a heartfelt ballad, enriched by Michelle Moonshine’s haunting harmonies and M. Horton Smith’s delicate mandolin.
The decision to record the album live in the studio without overdubs injects a vibrancy and spontaneity rarely heard in modern productions. From start to finish, the listener is immersed in the warmth of uninterrupted takes, where every solo and vocal nuance feels genuine and unfiltered.
As Lake reflects on recent years through his lyrics, the songs traverse themes of personal growth, societal upheaval, and the universal struggles of navigating an ever-changing world. The careful sequencing of the tracks transforms ‘Falling From The Floor’ into a cohesive narrative journey, where every note and lyric carries purpose.
‘Falling From The Floor’ is Lakes’ most ambitious project to date and is a testament to the power of live, unvarnished music. For fans of introspective rock steeped in authenticity, this album is a must-listen.
