Chicago rockers Footballhead just released another single that’s going to be on their new LP, slated for release on March 20. This new album consists of twelve total tracks, and right now, four are out on streaming platforms. “Fall Away” is the most recent drop and came out on February 24. This band is heavily influenced by the 2000’s era sound, but decided to try out some newer sounds for this project. It’s meant to be an electric rock ballad overall, just from the first note of “Fall Away,” and it hits you. 

From the guitar to the keys and vocals, this song is by definition a rock ballad. The band notes that this song is essential to the overall album’s core sound. I’ve listened to the other three releases, and I can see why. Not that the other ones don’t blend as well, but there’s definitely a bigger emotional feel from “Fall Away” guiding it into the rock ballad sound. The intro of this song plays so well into it. 

Honestly, these days it’s been a bit difficult writing song reviews because how do I explain in words how a song feels to me — how each beat hits. Sometimes all I can really say is listen to the song, and hopefully my strange rambles will make sense to you. Also, there’s just this certain sound that really makes a song a rock ballad. Unfortunately, if you haven’t heard a rock ballad before — you probably have without realizing it — then that’s also a little tough to explain. But a ballad is typically a romantic song or tied with this deep sentiment for someone or something, yet it’s not always happy. It’s heavy and emotional, then paired with some rock sounds, creating such intensity of feelings invoked through every note. That’s what “Fall Away” by Footballhead is. Don’t take my word for it, go listen to it right now!

Additionally, I had the chance to see Footballhead live last month for the first time, and they know how to bring a show while entertaining the audience, too. Sadly, their set was cut short due to technical difficulties, and now with new music coming out, I know I have to catch them again. Lucky for everyone, they’re hitting the road with Ben Quad, Aren’t We Amphibians, and Riley! starting March 7th! Such an insane lineup for the Midwest Emo scene, because I know the shows are going to be phenomenal every night, having seen each of those bands perform live at least once. 

Don’t miss out on this tour hitting a city near you.

w/ Ben Quad, Aren’t We Amphibians, Riley!

March 7 – Atlanta, GA @ Aisle 5

March 8 – Durham, NC @ The Fruit

March 9 – Richmond, VA @ Canal Club

March 10 – Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery

March 12 – Boston, MA @ The Sinclair

March 13 – Philadelphia, PA @ Ukie Club

March 14 – Asbury Park, NJ @ House of Independents

March 15 – Brooklyn, NY @ Elsewhere

March 17 – Buffalo, NY @ Rec Room

March 18 – Lakewood, OH @ Mahall’s

March 20 – Detroit, MI @ The Sanctuary

March 21 – Chicago, IL @ Reggies Trainwreck Rooftop Deck

March 22 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Green Room

March 24 – Denver, CO @ Meow Wolf

March 27 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre

March 28 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon

March 29 – Boise, ID @ Treefort Music Festival

March 31 – Reno, NV @ Holland Project

April 1 – San Jose, CA @ The Ritz

April 3 – San Diego, CA @ House of Blues

April 4 – Anaheim, CA @ Parish at House of Blues

April 5 – Mesa, AZ @ The Rosetta Room

April 8 – Houston, TX @ Secret Group

April 9 – San Antonio, TX @ The Rock Box

April 10 – Dallas, TX @ Three Links