Electricity and Drama

For fans of electronica who are unaware of music producer FaltyDL, Drew Lustman, his latest album Heaven is for Quitters is a great introduction into his particular brand. FaltyDL has been described as representing a conglomerate of popular electronic sub-genres, and this album proves it. Each track paints its own picture and comes from its own era making the album feel extremely diverse. Lustman utilizes loops in a way of which other artists should take note: he pulls addictive sample away from the listener creating the illusion that the sound is fleeting and should be appreciated before it’s gone. Though this album may become underrated for not featuring an up beat, high volume sound, there is an artistry in the tracks of Heaven is for Quitters that deserves attention.

At first glance the album seems to be a collection of soothing ambient songs that meander with no real purpose, but when distractions are removed and one is allowed to really listen, a world of sound is revealed. It’s almost like a microscope revealing a tiny universe before your eyes. “Whisper Diving,” a stand out on the album, is a fantastic example of Lustman’s perfection with loops as the track builds and shifts from one loop to another like tectonic plates colliding. On the other end of the spectrum, “Frigid Air with Mu” features a new age/world music sound that creates a unique dynamic that is bubbly, yet dramatic. The list of worthy tracks goes on, as each song brings something different and delightful to the table.

Even though the album contains some real quality tracks, a few aspects fall a bit short. “Tasha” builds into a dramatic crescendo that shows promise only to drop into nothing all too soon. We have all heard albums with intros and short fillers but this track is compelling before moving in a direction that makes the listener lean in, only to have its climax stolen. The fourth track on the album “River Phoenix” feels like a song directly out of The Matrix, yet white noise overlaid on the track gives the listener an uneasy feeling like something is wrong with their sound system. The white noise isn’t all bad, though, it adds a compelling jagged edge to the sound, but is slightly overdone. Overall these blemishes can easily be overlooked as the pros greatly outweigh these minor cons.

Heaven is for Quitters may be underappreciated following its release but the album does a great job of showcasing the artistry that Lustman possesses. Like any album, it has its shortcomings, but many flourishes add character that make the great tracks greater by comparison. Heaven is for Quitters is intriguing and creative, for which it should earn a fair listen from anyone.