So, here we are with Of All Things and their debut album “Falling In Line With The Person In Front Of You”—quite a mouthful for a title, but trust me, it’s worth every syllable. This Norwegian alt-rock band didn’t just come here to gently knock on the door of your playlist—they’re kicking it down with 11 tracks that pack a punch and refuse to let go.

photo by Alina Leira

At first glance, the title might seem like a reference to the mundane hustle and the suffocating everyday routine, but in the context of the album, it touches on something much bigger. “Falling In Line With The Person In Front Of You” subtly hints at industrial nepotism, the idea that success often requires more than just talent—it’s about the right connections, too. And this is where the real musical narrative begins. Lyrically, the album digs deeper than mere surface-level social commentary. It’s a full bouquet: from the anxiety of growing up to the fear of being overwhelmed by the constant stimulation of the surrounding world. And of course, the cherry on top—a breakup song.

Formed in 2022, the band has undergone a transformation, and it’s clear in this album. Emma Putnam, now the lead and main vocalist, infuses her lyrics and voice with personal experience, and her way of singing is something you simply can’t tear yourself away from. Lars Ystebø, on guitar creates a wall of sound that keeps the entire album at a high level of tension, never letting it slip into anything cliché. Bassist Andreas Siem and drummer Lars Inge Torp are the perfect rhythmic twins.

On the local scene, Of All Things has already made a name for themselves as the voice of a new generation. And that’s not just hype—it’s a fact. Their music resonates with everyone, whether you’re a teenager facing adult problems for the first time or an adult going through the same issues, just from a different perspective. The relevance of their themes is undeniable, and they strike a chord with every moment in history because these struggles are universal.

What really stands out is their ability to turn social and personal issues into something awakening. And when you listen to “Falling In Line With The Person In Front Of You,” you realize you’re not alone in your fears and doubts.

The instant energy boost kicks in right from the first track, “Know the Rain.” It’s like a time travel trip straight to the middle of the ‘90s, where rock ruled, but with modern ideas that give this sound today’s relevance. Emma Putnam’s voice cuts through the crash of guitars and drums as if you’re standing right in front of the speakers—raw, powerful, and unfiltered. There’s no room for pretense in this sound.

photo by Alina Leira

“Feet in the Heat” is the crown jewel of the album. If you’re looking for a track that embodies the rebellious spirit of Of All Things, this is it. Musically and lyrically, it challenges class prejudices, taking aim at “nepo babies” and criticizing a system where success too often falls to those with the right connections.

In “Are You Over It,” the band sharply picks up the pace, blending punk aggression with the rich, dense sound of alt-rock. The guitar riffs practically ignite the air, while Emma’s vocals soar in the chorus, grabbing your full attention.

Then comes a moment to catch your breath with “Will You Give It a Taste”—melancholic, deep, with thick guitars and a solid rhythm. This rock ballad allows you to pause, making time slow down. It’s like diving into a sea of emotions, following Emma’s voice as it guides you through complex thoughts and feelings.

“I Want To Be Mean” brings back that wild energy, that raw power that makes you want to crank up the volume and surrender to the rhythm. It’s a dance track, a shout, pure fun, and it channels the spirit of real rock, stripped down to its rawest form without any frills.

And, of course, the final note—“You’ve Got To Know.” A track that burns bridges. From the very first seconds, you can feel that this is going to be something special: soft vocals against a fiery riff, and then—an absolute explosion of emotions by the end. If you were looking for a track with flawless structure that gets more gripping with every passing minute, “You’ve Got To Know” is exactly that. The album’s closing is a pure rock inferno, impossible to put out.

‘Falling In Line With The Person In Front Of You’ is like finding yourself stripped bare in the eye of a hurricane, where everything around is chaotic and unpredictable, but you still manage to summon the strength to stand against the storm. This album completely overwhelms you, yet somehow gives you the space to maintain your individuality and energy.

Of All Things absolutely nailed it. It’s the kind of debut that, honestly, you could retire on—it’s that powerful. It’s going to be tough to top a release like this, and that just makes it even more exciting to see what they’ll bring next. Highly recommended!

*This article was made possible by BTD Sounds PR