As I listen to the new EP just released by The Flats, a wave of nostalgia washes over me.
I’m reminded of 2015 when Turnover released their much lauded sophomore effort Peripheral Vision. All of the sudden, you had punk kids falling in love with a sound that was more reminiscent of what some of their parents might have enjoyed in their heyday. The Flats doesn’t have near the market impact that Turnover does (yet), but their music gives me a similar feeling that mixes nostalgia with a paradoxical combination of melancholy and optimism – all wrapped in a neat package of emotive indie rock.
Listening to “Transparent” and comparing the sound I’m experiencing with the EP title – Auburn in the Everlast – it occurs to me that this EP would go really well with sitting alone by a campfire. Or maybe just sitting by yourself in front of the fireplace in your own home.
One of the most infectious tracks I’ve heard (of the few new ones I’ve heard in this very young 2017) has to be “Unviable in Your World.” I’ve always had a soft spot for driving tracks with a dark ambience and this one is no exception. The last time I think I latched on to a track like this so fast was hearing “Details” from Andrew Belle’s Black Bear in late 2013. I believe I was driving home from my first visit at the time. Right now, as has been the case with a lot of new music listening, I’m sitting at the bar at the good ol’ Roosevelt Coffeehouse in downtown Columbus.
I’m reminded of Deas Vail as the EP concludes with piano driven tracks “Is the War Worth the Cost” and “Purple Eyes.” The former is minimalistic in its composition yet holds an aura that keeps me intrigued.
The Flats are certainly a dark horse band in Ohio, and I’m glad I had a chance to spend some time with them to kick off my year. Download the album for free here.
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