Emily Steinwall's sophomore album, 'but, there's beauty in the fall from Grace', marks a significant shift in her musical journey. While her debut album, 'Welcome to the Garden', showcased a masterful blend of art rock, progressive pop, and indie rock with a touch of early-metal riffs, this new release takes a darker, more introspective approach. The album's title itself hints at a complex emotional landscape, reflecting the chaos of current events and personal struggles. Steinwall's music has always been characterized by her powerful vocals, dynamic range, and unique instrumental choices, and this album is no exception. However, the album's pacing and structure have been criticized for being too slow and monotonous, with some songs feeling like they could benefit from more edge and intensity. Despite this, Steinwall's vocals remain exceptional, showcasing her ability to transition from breathy, warm lows to commanding, banshee-like wails. The production is also on point, with a warm and immersive sound that enhances the album's overall atmosphere. The album's highlight is 'Free Spirit', an eight-minute journey that manages to capture the grandiose ambition of her debut album's title track, even if it's not quite in the same league. Overall, 'but, there's beauty in the fall from Grace' is a mixed bag, with some beautiful moments and a few songs that feel too focused on sounding 'pretty' to truly reach their full potential. Steinwall's pursuit of beauty and healing seems to have led to a fall from the dizzying heights of her debut, but it's a fall that could be a stepping stone towards future success.
