Initially, it would seem as though the big story here is that 'All Is Falling' finds the much-revered acoustic guitarist setting his primary instrument aside in favour of various other outlets for his compositions. Indeed, Blackshaw adopts a very different sonic arsenal, and while a guitar is still a major component - this time it's plugged in. Blackshaw has gone electric. In actuality, this album isn't too much of a stretch from last year's delightful The Glass Bead Game, which found Blackshaw opening up his sound to include increasingly orchestral textures. Likewise, 'All Is Falling' features strings, woodwind, percussion (tuned and otherwise), and kicks off beautifully with an axe-free, piano-driven first part. The swirling keyboard phrases reveal a familiar agenda, as Blackshaw enticingly cycles his way through tumbling arpeggios in much the same way as he might on his acoustic 12-string. Part two marks the first indication of where Blackshaw's newly amplified sound might be headed, and the switch to electric guitar immediately raises comparisons to Ben Chasny in Six Organs Of Admittance, yet the tone of the pieces themselves avoids any psych-folk reference points, instead sounding overwhelmingly like a modern classical suite penned with the electric guitar in mind. The sixth piece in particular seems to reference Steve Reich-style repetitions, as underlined by a voice counting time throughout. There are some shatteringly lovely arrangements strewn across this record, with violin and cello parts complimenting Blackshaw's lead especially nicely; the twelve-minute seventh part puts these elements to best use, as the bowed elements shift from highly organised short, rhythmic phrases and Rachel's-esque post-rock into more abstract and dissonant territory, as underlined by an onslaught of sickly, detuning glissandos. Another firm-footed evolutionary step for this artist, 'All Is Falling' expands upon James Blackshaw's established oeuvre without deserting the compositional principles and instrumental fluency that made him such a compelling figure in the first place. (Article paru sur le site Boomkat)