From a musical perspective, right now, the West Midlands is a gift that just keeps on giving. The latest, previously unidentified plot on my radar, belongs to Wolverhampton quartet This Fallen City, who release their new single Still Alive on Friday 19 September 2025.
Forming as a trio in late 2022, they now comprise Josh Blake (vocals), Mike Done (guitar), Rob Jago (bass) and Matt Williams (drums). Together they produce a sound that can be summarised as modern hard rock, whereby the melody is an intrinsic part of the cascading rhythms.
“We write songs that channel themes of turmoil and resilience,” This Fallen City says, “aiming to take listeners on a journey through a world in ruins but not without hope. All set to a soundtrack of driving riffs, soaring hooks, and lyrics that evoke vivid imagery.”
Still Alive: ‘One is not disappointed.’
Friday sees the release of the third single Still Alive which follows the frantic brace of Danger and Nightmares. Produced and mixed by the renowned Jay Shredder, then mastered by Grant Berry, before a single note is struck, one already expects a sparkling soundscape saturated with dynamism.
One is not disappointed. Still Alive is a powerful piece about survival.
“Living dreams that tortured me, but fate decided that I would survive.”
From the calm, melancholic retrospection of the intro, it explodes into a barrage of drums and an insistent riff that repeatedly asks, “What do you think?”
When the totality strikes, its indescribable quality grabs you lock, stock and barrel, never easing, right through to the thrilling conclusion.
While not played as such, the verse possesses a ‘call and response’ feel that ascends through an imploring bridge before the lucidity of the towering, harmonious chorus has the listener spellbound. One feels the torment in Josh’s interrogative tones, while Mike’s multi-layered guitar sears and smoulders.
“If I were to do it all again, I don’t think I would make it. Would I ever see it to the end?”
A dreamy interlude precludes the exquisite solo that is an exercise in exploring all descant combinations that befit the essence of the song. One is divided between focusing on its soaring melody or remaining within the sunken, hammering rhythms.
Post solo, the performance rises higher still as an anguished vocal pushes it to a rousing climax.
“I just want to try and live my life, move on from this pain
Try and rebuild what was lost and start my life again”.
A release of such quality belies the band’s present status. Nigh on five minutes of sonic splendour.
After a rewarding morning, I was in a state of tranquillity before spinning Still Alive. From the outset, it genuinely induced a feeling of warmth and contentment right across my chest. In all sincerity, it got a bit emotional.
Flipping that coin, if one was downcast, I imagine the dissipating effect it would have on one’s burdens as it lifts both mood and self-assurance.
With its construct, execution and the sensations induced, it is THE most uplifting song I have heard this year. While a long player is a distant goal, given the excellence of this release, it is a prospect I will be anticipating immensely.
Still Alive will be available through all the usual streaming services. You can reach This Fallen City at linktr.ee/thisfallencity.
This Fallen City – Lineup
Vocals – Josh Blake
Guitar – Mike Done
Bass – Rob Jago
Drums – Matt Williams
