Fall Of Efrafa & The Watership Down Trilogy

Among those of you reading this, I think it would be fair to estimate that a considerable proportion of you would have sat through the movie or read Richard Adam’s ‘Watership Down’ at some point. Either way, it is not a work that one remembers; it is a work that sears itself deeply into the mind. A heart wrenching assimilation of carnage and hope, of change and peril.

One band who have taken their appreciation of this novel to an unfathomable level, are Fall of Efrafa, who have recently completed their trilogy of albums which are said to ‘re-imagine the mythological and political overtones in the book “Watership Down“’

This is enough to grab the attention of any sane minded human, but when they elaborate on the fact that they do so by; ‘focusing our efforts in forwarding atheist/animal rights ideologies. We write very long epic, heavy, melancholic music, taking influence from post rock, post metal, ambient black metal, hardcore, punk etc.’ That’s the deal clincher right there.

Fall of Efrafa make their music available in two very distinct formats. All of their material is available for free download from their website, or alternately on limited edition vinyl (which can currently fetch prices well into the hundreds on eBay). This open policy towards sharing their music has certainly built them a loyal and determined assembly of followers. Once the albums are heard, standalone or in succession, it’s abundantly clear why.

In regards to the central motivation behind the work, the band has this to say:

‘As a band we encourage people to talk more openly about animal rights and strive for a future in which humanity ceases to be dependent on the exploitation and slaughter of non human animals. It is easy to label this as preaching or arrogance, but communication is how we learn. Debating such issues only helps us become more aware of our actions, be that for political and social change or an end to religious oppression.’

Musically, their amalgamation of styles serves to separate them from the majority of their peers, transcending through several genres often in the space of one track. Their socio political stance bleeds through each individual lyric with a sincere and guttural resonance.  If I was a particularly pretentious writer, I would begin throwing words such as ‘soundscapes’ and ‘depth’, but I’m not so I’ll keep it simple. Fall of Efrafa are fast, heavy and commanding. The albums draw you down an unfamiliar street and then proceed to beat the crap out of you and leave you shaken and in a state of disbelief. Multiple listens only serve to accentuate the magnificence of this band’s achievement.

Sadly, they are soon to be no more, as the band play their farewell gig on Dec 5^th at the Westhill Hall, Brighton. I have a strong feeling that just as their inspiration lingers and affects, their music will do something similar. It’s not always pretty, but something keeps sending you back.

‘Pity The Weak‘

For more information you can visit their website here: http://www.fallofefrafa.com where, as aforementioned, their albums are all available for legitimate free download. If you choose to acquaint yourself with this band, it will be a decision that will reward you in droves.

‘A Soul To Bear’

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