SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: FLASH LIGHTNIN’ – FOR THE SINNERS

Flash Lightnin’
For The Sinners 
Pheromone Recordings

In a few words, Flash Lightnin’s new album, For The Sinners, kicks mammoth ass. If you go back in time to the killer four on the floor stadium rock bands of the ‘70s and ‘80s, like AC/DC, ZZ-Top and Aerosmith, you’ll find many similarities with the super catchy tunes that FL have served up on this amazing release. Core members Darren Glover and Darcy Yates have created their own addictive brand of fuzz rock that is bound to reach far beyond their local Toronto music venues.

With a career boost in mind, FL strategically commissioned the talents of renowned drummer and Canadian super producer Gavin Brown to get their unique sound out to the masses. With Brown lending his talents to the recording process and guiding the outcome of the release, it’s no wonder why the album is picking up so much momentum so quickly. The first single, “One Pill”, is currently getting plenty of radio attention north of the border, catching the attention of ZZ-Top front man Billy Gibbons. Gibbons invited the band to join them on their 2014 Canadian tour – something far beyond FL’s expectations. It seems obvious that the future is looking VERY bright for Flash Lightnin’.

Standout tracks include “Born With Money”, a super catchy jam with a deadly bass line and a guitar riff that’ll make you sweat. Glover and Yates lay down tasteful grooves and a stunning chorus. Following this amazing opener is the band’s second single “Dirty Penny”, a super funky tune that brings the sound of Big Sugar to mind. This song has a recommended volume preset of CRAZY LOUD! Next up, we have a strong ballad titled “Hard Feeling” – here’s a tune with sweet acoustic guitars and very tasteful vocals that give it the appropriately rustic Americana sound it needs. Finally, the big single “One Pill” is untouchable; it’s a monster tune with huge potential. This song would convince anyone that FL is the next big Canadian band to watch.

The only track I found a little too formulaic and somewhat flat was “Let’s Get High”. It didn’t stack up that well with the rest of the album’s incredible tunes. Overall, For The Sinners is an absolutely outstanding release from start to finish and is likely the REAL starting point for this band to becoming a household name.

Andre Skinner (Twitter @andreskinner)

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