Rock band just wants to make own music

By Denise M. Baran-Unland

SPECIAL TO THE HERALD NEWS
The band members are all Christian guys, the band's name is based on a Biblical story, but their music — classic rock covers and original songs — is aimed at the masses.

Eutychus Falling's first full-length CD, "These Three Remain," is available for $10 through their Web site, www.eflive.com or at Athletic Outfitters, 409 Liberty Street, Morris.

"We enjoy playing music, but we wanted to play more than just Christian rock. We wanted to get out there and play where people are hanging out," said Brian Weber, 32, of Morris, founder and lead vocalist for Eutychus Falling and operations manager at Document Imaging Dimensions in Yorkville.

"We didn't want to be pigeonholed into playing churches and youth groups. We wanted to play in bars, clubs and at festivals."

Eutychus was a young boy who, in the Bible, sat in an open, upper story window listening to the apostle Paul preach. After drifting off to sleep, the lad fell out of the window and died, only to be brought back to life by Paul.

The boy's unique name appealed to band members, all of whom were familiar with the story. "Although it is hard to spell, usually people recognize it when they see it again," said Weber.

Other members of Eutychus Falling are Brian Walker, 32, of Morris, part-owner of Hogan-Walker (a John Deere dealership), drummer; Josh Campbell, 27, of Lake Holiday, lead guitarist, heating and air conditioning serviceman for Guerther-Fulford in Naperville and Josh Jahn, 26 of Dwight, bassist, farm worker and tow truck driver.

All of the band members are married and all are currently raising families as well, except for Weber. "I'm the only one childless at this point," he said. "We're all just four working guys doing this, when we can, on the side."

Eutychus Falling plays a number of local venues, including Clayton Tap in Morris, Fool's Bar in Morris and Zelmo's Full Moon Saloon in Joliet.

Those people who come out to hear them play can expect to hear a variety of music, including those familiar cover songs by such artists as Creedence Clearwater Revival and Deep Purple to Eutychus Falling original material.

Their musical sound is reminiscent of Creed, Loser, Train and 3 Doors Down, said Weber.

"We play a good mix of songs, some harder rock songs, some slower medium rock songs, some ballads and some acoustic-driven songs," said Weber.

Weber and Campbell are the band's songwriters; together they have written about 30 songs. Their collaboration began in 1995 when they met at Maple Lawn Christian Church in Joliet. Weber was assisting the church's music ministry and Josh Campbell was just learning to play the guitar. The two hit it off and began playing music together.

Their inspiration is neatly divided. Weber supplies the lyrics and the basic melody; Campbell adds the rest. Then they bring the material to the rest of the band members for their input.

"I write about the great joys in life and, at the same time, its deep sorrows and how we work out our day to day relationships with other people," said Weber. "Although I've been married 11 years, I can still remember the feelings of a break-up. And even in marriage, you have your ups and downs."

Fans, Weber said, especially enjoy exploring the meaning of life in "Hands of Time," moving past a bad relationship in "Cynical" and having faith in "Something More."

Since high school, Weber has participated in a number of bands. But he began Eutychus Falling three years ago through a desire to have more creative and administrative control. His vision of what he wanted in a band has paid off.

Each band member, except for the bassist, is an original member and each member is free from the prideful attitudes that so often cause a band's downfall.

"Everyone plays music together and works as a team," said Weber. "They just have this inner peace."

Goal: "The big dream is to be discovered and tour on a national level. Our more realistic goal is to be the best regional band in the Chicagoland area and just focus on our music."

Inspiration: "I've always been a thinker about the philosophical things in life, the things everyone thinks of. I just take it a step further and write a song."

Words of Wisdom: "Be who you are; write from your perspective. Create a dialogue with other people out there. Share your experiences and be willing to hear their viewpoint."

For more information: Call (815) 416-0036 or visit www.eflive.com