Single Review: Flashguns – Come and See the Lights
Flashguns have had a busy 2010 recording their debut album ‘Passions Of A Different Kind’. Fresh from a 20-date UK tour, their first single ‘Come and See the Lights’ is released today (Monday 29th November) through Friends vs. Records.
The song starts with a thundering drum and guitar combo. I really like this drum sound: it’s big and brash and tastefully overcompressed. “I know because I’ve been there” is the first vocal line delivered with intriguing understatement, a gentle entry to what has so far been a hard-hitting opening. The contrast works well and I’m finding myself getting hooked in, wondering what is to come next.
The chorus is an epic, almost post-rock affair: not the catchiest, and I feel that could slightly let this tune down. I like the odd instrumental sections and bar arrangements going into and out of the choruses, they add a nice dynamic to the song. The production style is big and epic but nothing feels too rammed down your throat. The electronic elements of the track, mainly synths and keys, ride along behind the rhythm section creating an inoffensive ambiance, filling the ‘3-piece void’ that can be so damning with these sorts of records.
Aspects of the arrangement do puzzle me on the first and second listen, but this track turns out to be a grower. By the third or fourth listen, things seem to be making more sense. This song delivers on many levels but I’m not sure if it is the song to catapult Flashguns into the market, but who am I to judge? It could be great synced alongside TV programme or advert.
The three-piece have had some great support from NME and Radio 1 in the past, so good luck to them with the new album. It’s nice to hear a British trio doing something a bit different; this band aren’t just jingle jangle indie guitars, there is something deeper in there than that, and I shall be keeping my beady eye on them, you should too methinks. I’m looking forward to seeing them live at their single launch at the Old Blue Last on 2nd December, so expect a live review soon after.
‘Come and See the Lights’ is released today, 29 November, on Friends vs. Records.
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