Reviews: Leaves on the WInd

Rock 'n' Roll Truth
Robert Kinsler
July 2, 2019

You might like if you enjoy: Joss Whedon's "Firefly," the Jayhawks, Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris 

Tell me more: Six years after the Fallen Stars embarked on an ambitious quest to create a cycle of songs based on the groundbreaking sci-fi western TV series "Firefly," the complete collection of 16 inspired tracks (including the pair's interpretation of the theme song from the series) has been compiled and released as the terrific "Leaves On The Wind Collection: Can't Stop the Signal." The Fallen Stars, featuring the talents of husband-and-wife duo Bobbo and Tracy Byrnes, are both big time fans of the show (which premiered in fall 2002) and the acclaimed 2005 film "Serenity." The new audio CD version of the collection allows fans of the series (known as "Browncoats") and lovers of top-tier Americana music to hear artful and rich songs based on "Firefly." The wistful "Still Flying" (bolstered by the Byrnes' blended vocal harmonies), edgy rockers "Nothing" and "Miracle," tender "Stronger Than Steel," mandolin-anchored "Goodnight Kiss" and probing "Here I Am" showcase the range of the show's themes as well as the depth of the couple's stellar songwriting.

Desert Star Weekly
Robert Kinsler
June 2, 2015
 

You might like if you enjoy: Dawes, The Lone Bellow, the classic sic-fi series “Firefly” 

Tell me more: Although the science fiction drama “Firefly” only saw the production of 14 episodes in 2002 (and a subsequent theatrical film “Serenity” in 2005), the groundbreaking series has spawned an enduring following of fans known as “Browncoats.” The Fallen Stars, a Huntington Beach-based Americana band featuring husband-and-wife Bobbo Byrnes (vocals, guitar, mandolin) and Tracy Byrnes (vocals, bass) have been busy setting the series’ Old West-meets-cosmos mythology to music. The band has followed up 2013’s “Leaves On the Wind, Vol. 1: Still Flying” with the newly-released “Vol. 2: No Power in the ‘Verse Can Stop Me.” 

Each song is based on an episode of “Firefly,” with episodes 6-10 celebrated on the new EP. It’s not surprising that every track is a gemstone, with the tender mandolin-anchored “Goodnight Kiss,” rollicking “Miracle” and wistful “Open the Door” among the tracks blending top-tier musical song craft and lyrical ties to Joss Whedon’s enduring tour de force. 



Desert Star Weekly
Robert Kinsler
October 4, 2013

Listen if you enjoy: Steve Earle, Gram Parsons, Emmy Lou Harris

Tell me more: It's not surprising that Joss Whedon's groundbreaking 2002 TV show "Firefly" would inspire The Fallen Stars. Just as that influential series effortlessly blended science fiction and 19th century American West styles in each of its memorable episodes, Americana troupe The Fallen Stars somehow blends traditional country influences by the likes of Gram Parsons with an emphasis on timeless songcraft that would be at home anywhere in the universe. "Leaves on the Wind - Vol.1: Still Flying" is the beginning of an ambitious trek by The Fallen Stars to write and record a song centered around each of the 14 episodes from the show as well as one in sync with the subsequent 2005 film "Serenity." Based on the first 5 songs featured on volume 1 of the project, The Fallen Stars' quest is a good one.