Midnight Choir – Waiting for the Bricks to Fall (2003): Album Review, Tracklist, Credits & Trivia
Introduction to Waiting for the Bricks to Fall
Waiting for the Bricks to Fall is the sixth studio album by Norwegian alternative rock/americana band Midnight Choir, released in 2003 through S2 Records. The album was recorded between April and September 2002 and showcases the band’s deep, evocative sound — a blend of Americana, roots rock, and melancholy atmosphere that builds on their earlier work.
The record combines lush arrangements, rich orchestral textures, and the expressive voice of Paal Flaata, presenting Midnight Choir at a mature creative peak. The music’s dramatic style frequently evokes wide emotional landscapes and a cinematic aesthetic.
Background and Recording
The album was produced by Chris Eckman (of The Walkabouts), continuing a longstanding partnership that shaped much of Midnight Choir’s signature sound. Recording took place in several European studios, including Sono Recordings in Prague and Studio Metro & Studio 26 as well as Sanctuary Westside in London and Strype Audio in Oslo.
In addition to the core trio — Paal Flaata, Atle “Al DeLoner” Byström, and Ron Olsen — the album features contributions from orchestral players from Prague and the Academic Choir Tone Tomšič of the University of Ljubljana, adding rich instrumental depth to the sound.
Musical Style and Themes
Waiting for the Bricks to Fall blends elements of:
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Alternative rock
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Americana and roots rock
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Chamber pop and orchestral rock
The music consistently evokes melancholic, introspective moods, with atmospheric arrangements — including strings and choral layers — underpinning stories of longing, loss, resilience, and emotional complexity.
The album manages to balance both intimate ballads and sweeping compositions, creating a cohesive listening experience that feels cinematic and evocative.
Waiting for the Bricks to Fall (2003) Tracklist
The album consists of 10 tracks:
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Into the Dark – 4:36
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Will You Carry Me Across the Water? – 4:14
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Last Chapter – 3:38
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Motherless Child – 4:47
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Requiem – 4:24
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Mrs. Donald – 6:18
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Depths of the Earth – 4:24
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Calling the Land – 3:20
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Long Time Ago – 9:34
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Can’t Feel a Thing – 4:34
Together, these tracks span around 50 minutes of expressive music, combining both orchestral sophistication and roots-based instrumentation.
Album Credits
Band Members
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Paal Flaata – lead vocals
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Atle “Al DeLoner” Byström – guitar, songwriting
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Ron Olsen – bass
Production Team
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Produced by Chris Eckman
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Engineered by Phill Brown
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Recorded at: Sono Recordings (Prague), Studio Metro & Studio 26, Sanctuary Westside (London), and Strype Audio (Oslo)
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Additional musicians include orchestral players from Prague and choir elements from the University of Ljubljana’s Academic Choir Tone Tomšič.
The collaborative element of orchestral and choral musicians helps give the album its lush, cinematic character and emotional depth.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release in 2003, Waiting for the Bricks to Fall received critical praise for its sophisticated songwriting, atmospheric depth, and the emotional power of Paal Flaata’s vocals. Many reviewers highlighted the album as one of Midnight Choir’s most accomplished works, emphasizing its balance of dark lyrical themes and expansive arrangements.
The album made an impact internationally — charting in Norway and helping solidify Midnight Choir’s reputation beyond their homeland. Retrospective listeners often praise it as a career milestone, combining the band’s Americana roots with rich orchestral and dramatic styling.
Fun Facts About Waiting for the Bricks to Fall
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The album features orchestral parts performed by 21 players from various ensembles in Prague as well as contributions from a university choir — adding a grand, layered sound to several tracks.
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“Mrs. Donald” stands out as one of the longest tracks on the album, offering a more expansive and narrative-rich composition.
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The blend of roots rock with chamber pop and Americana elements makes this album one of Midnight Choir’s most cinematic and richly arranged records.
Trivia
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The song “Last Chapter” was written by Al DeLoner and features powerful, emotional lyricism typical of the band’s storytelling style.
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Despite their relatively limited mainstream exposure internationally, Midnight Choir’s music — especially on this album — drew comparisons to atmospheric artists like Scott Walker and Nick Cave for its evocative mood and depth.
Did You Know?
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Waiting for the Bricks to Fall was recorded over multiple studios across Europe, reflecting the band’s ambition to blend international influences and diverse musical textures.
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The album helped bring Midnight Choir to larger European audiences, including performances and tours where tracks from this record were frequently featured.