Lee Gallagher is a Mid-West raised - Nashville-based musician heavily influenced by the West Coast appeal of his musical schooling. This was noted in the title of a previous release which the once San Francisco resident chose to name L.A. YESTERYEAR. That album rose to prominence in 2020 and its successor builds on the traction with a carefully curated rock sound breathing a rousing beat and subtly constructed moments. THE FALCON ATE THE FLOWER possesses energy, polished brashness and nuanced inclusions that shine a light on the varying dimensions of a musician's artistry. Ten tracks power the effect of this third release with the extended Hallelujah band and its components combining to reveal a solid scope of modern rock in an Americana veil.
Opening track 'Planes' kicks into gear packing a sense of wizardry in motion. 'Peregrine Fly' follows adding substance to the album title from initial thought before drifting over as one of the record's mellower moments with a string accompaniment applying a shine to some refined rock. The tone is raised in 'Something Better' as a haze of guitar-fuelled frenzy pushes hard in the second of a trio of 6-minute tracks on the album. 'Half Lit (The Future's Ours)' is a punchy blues rock effort infiltrated by harmonica at the end, born in the pandemic and inspired by literally a half lit Coca Cola sign in San Francisco. 'Haymaker' brings the first half to a close with once again Gallagher toning it down a touch to draw you into the vocals and the lyrics they wrap round.
Lee Gallagher likes to portray himself as a songwriter fronting a rock 'n' roll band. On the evidence of 'The Mission', which opens the second half, he is right on the mark in ways that touch listeners partial to good songs wrapped in a heavy sonic cloak. 'Every Little Sound' with its live recording is another of the 6-minute epics and is full of credentials to pinpoint it as one of the album's standout moments. The inclusion of Hammond organ and a twangy guitar solo helps pilot the impact. Strings, possibly violin, infuse a slower symphonic sound in 'Can Anyone', a restful successor to its predecessor in places, give or take a ramped up finale. 'Baby I'm Here' picks up the pace in the penultimate spot on a collection packed neatly in a 46-minute listen and leaves a notable mark with its infectious qualities. The live recording is felt in the count-in to closer 'Remember When' as the sentiment thermometer is raised for a track heavy on poignant recollection.
THE FALCON ATE THE FLOWE is a heart and soul release sharing the craft of where cultured rock 'n' roll can take you. While often the rollicking sound to Lee Gallagher and Hallelujah harks bark to pioneering times, there is always a mantle for carrying a spirit forward. It has been well and truly claimed here with evidence running right through the music out there to absorb and enjoy.
