The Flatliners - The Great Awake
Mike St. Jean
Layout & Design Editor & Sasquatch Preserver
When many music fans see a new release from the world famous punk label Fat Wreck Chords, they often assume that the album will follow the classic mid-90’s pop-punk style that made the label, and many of its bands household names. Over the past few years, however, owner Fat Mike of NOFX fame has done an excellent job signing new, young bands that have helped Fat Wreck break away from the mold the label created in its early days.
One of these bands is The Flatliners, who joined the label after the strong performance of their 2005 release Destroy to Create on Montreal-based Stomp Records. The Richmond Hill, Ontario four-piece did not disappoint with their first Fat release, The Great Awake, which saw the group break away from their early ska punk sound.
Although all four members of the band were still in their late teens/early 20s when The Great Awake was released in 2007, the lyrical content and melodies found on the album have drastically improved in comparison to their first full-length release.
From the record’s first single, “Eulogy,” to the acoustic-driven “Mastering the World’s Smallest Violin,” The Great Awake sees the group take on a darker, more hard- hitting sound mixed with the catchy choruses and melodies found on their previous releases.
The Great Awake also shows singer/guitarist Chris Cresswell development as a song writer, with songs such as “July! August! Reno!” and crowd favourite “This Respirator” discussing the hardships, as well as the unforgettable moments of trying to make a living as a musician.
Although fans of Destroy to Create may be disappointed with the lack of ska on The Great Awake, the album is definitely worth picking up and giving an honest listen. If nothing else, the record will give listeners a new appreciation for the group, who are barely old enough to be out of high school, never mind awaiting the release of their third studio album, Cavalcade, which is set to come out on April 13th.
The Flatliners will be making yet another stop in Thunder Bay on April 16th at the Black Pirates Pub.