For rock n roll enjoyers, acoustic rock lovers, and metal rock fans, A Floor Below has something great prepared for you! A Floor Below is a rising band based in the U.S. that has recently been creating large ripples in the music scene. This band is steadfast when it comes to laying their emotions and thoughts bare for the listeners to take in through their good music. On October 20, 2024, they released a full album, “While Angels Sleep,” a 13-track collection that validates and acknowledges all the usual unspoken thoughts and emotions, which serves as an invitation for listeners to face this head-on through their music.
“While Angels Sleep” is not only a showcase of skills and character for A Floor Below but also a therapeutic release wrapped in the most gritty and moving instrumentation. The band’s style defies the limits of specific tracks as they go beyond the expectations on each track, and they blend the heart of acoustic rock with the intensity and grit of metal rock and the drive of hard rock. This is a unique take on exploring darker and heavier emotions through music, and from start to finish, these tracks would definitely resonate.
“Unsettled” serves as the opening for the whole collection. This track introduces us to the unique style and musicality of A Floor Below, setting a grungy mood through some intense build-up of sound layered with guitar riffs, which mirrors the emotions that are being projected in the track. “The Black” follows this distinctive musical style but now is more infused with acoustic rock. This track delivers an explosion of musicality as it showcases diversity in musicality for the band. This song evokes tension and release as played through the great vocal calisthenics that are featured on this track. That was some great high notes!
With “Home,” the band brought the spirit of acoustic rock as they slowly built up into a song that channels confusion and, at the same time, acceptance through some hard-pounding and echoing drums, which evoke a cinematic structure that draws out emotions of longingness and, at the same time, wholehearted support. On the other hand, “Blessings” comes in with its heavy riffs, capturing the frustration and angst conveyed by the piece. It is crisp and powerful, and here is where the quality of production actually shines. It doesn’t really fall into any category of genre. But one thing is for sure: these are tracks that are directly from experience. It is as authentic as it can get!
The vibe of acoustic rock comes back through the track “Whims of Reason,” a track that I find really interesting. The band magnificently conveyed its thoughts through its emotional singing—it is relatable and thought-provoking. The gritty vocals along with the acoustic elements on this track perfectly capture that quiet anxiety that often lurks beneath our thoughts as we go through our ideas to make decisions.
There are many choices to check out on this album release, and amongst those are “Myself,” “The Mess,” “When We Fall,” “Unmade Amends,” “Nature of the Beast,” and “Way Too Long,” and these are some quality tracks that I know you’d enjoy. Then, “Six Feet Down” brings in yet again another heavy riff and echoing drums for this piece. It is a dynamic track that features a lot of elements, from the distortion to the rapid build-up of tempo, shifts of keys and notes, as well as the skillful vocal showcase that embodies the chaos that happens in our lives. By then, the track seemed to find its resolution, which is ideal as the track ended up with its long-awaited release.
“While Angel Sleep” closes this whole collection with its metal rock heavy riffs from its opening notes. It gives off this dark and mysterious vibe that would definitely shake you up, reminding you to reflect on each of the ending days. Its driving tone and tempo capture the sense of urgency and struggles in the track. This is an explosive track fitting to end the album with a bang with its explosive sound, tension-evoking lyrics, and musicality!
Ultimately, A Floor Below has done a great job of featuring such mastery on the album “While Angels Sleep,” specifically on the side of structure and production. Each track is well-thought-out and well-executed, highlighting their unique sound and authentic quality. While having a commendable quality of sound, the band successfully addressed heavy themes through their music, serving as a voice for those who are struggling to talk openly about mental health. This is what music should be, with a purpose: to empower, to heal, and to confront—a lifeline as it is. While Angels Sleep by A Floor Below is worthy of your listening. Don’t miss out on this great album! Stream and follow now!
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About the Author
Tine Quirino, also known as Kristine, is a writer (frustrated one), a dreamer (serial sleeper), an INFJ (also INTP/J), a (professional) fangirl, and a good listener (‘literally and figuratively,’ she states).
She is just here, lurking somewhere, enjoying all your music. Music of any kind is still music, after all.
