By Cynthia Gross
Los Angeles-based rock band Common Trouble recently released their first single of the year, “Fallin.’” The groovy, high-energy track explores the allure of entering, with eyes wide open, into a relationship that you are fully aware is doomed to fail from the start.
“’Fallin’ is about falling head over heels for someone against your better judgment, but still going all in,” explains Dan Wolfe, lead singer, guitarist, and bassist of Common Trouble.
Wolfe notes he recorded the song in his home studio during the COVID-19 lockdown, later inviting friends to collaborate on the final product. His expert bass guitar skills are showcased in the track to noteworthy effect, and it’s refreshing to encounter the instrument used to its full capacity. “Fallin’” features Joey Jenkins, Fred Hof, and Irving Campbell on harmony vocals. The track was produced, mixed, and mastered by Jarrett Nicolay at Mixtape Studios.
“So don’t deny it / You wanna try it / Think some tequila will do / Let’s go get messed up / Do all the best stuff / Before the morning shines through / Now that I found you / If I could just find my brain,” Wolfe sings. With a light-hearted flair, “Fallin’” effectively captures the tendency for humans to be drawn to things they know are not good for them.
It’s easy to understand why the protagonist is infatuated out of his mind by the said desired partner, including “sweet lips” and “sexy swinging hips.” Despite the inevitable and imminent collapse of the shallow relationship, “Fallin’” doesn’t get weighed down in its own musings.
Instead, the song seems to revel in the excitement of fleeting moments regardless of whether they end with a one-night stand or boast more staying power, serving as a reminder of the importance of learning to buckle up and enjoy the ride. The motion in the instrumentation of the track – driven largely by bass guitar and drums – aligns with the song’s theme of movement.
Although Common Trouble is based on the West Coast, classically trained musician and award-winning songwriter Dan Wolfe is a DMV alum and can be found often performing in the nation’s capital and around the country. He is also part of D.C.-based band Most Savage Gentlemen.
Fans of The Eagles and Tom Petty will identify with Common Trouble’s timeless classic rock sound, swirling guitar chops, catchy hooks, and sing-along harmonies. Check out “Fallin’” below, and stay tuned for upcoming releases from this rising talent.
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Cynthia Gross is a freelance writer and award-winning spiritual pop artist based in Maryland. With more than a decade of experience as an executive ghostwriter, she understands the power of each individual’s voice to create positive, meaningful change.
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Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
