Flashbulb Fires

Genre: Alternative
Secondary Genre: Rock Denver, Colorado USA Contact

"It is clear from listening to Flashbulb Fires that this group is on its way to big things, and as such,Gasconader is more of a statement than an album." - Matt Pusatory, AV Club

Artist Information

Biography

ABOUT FLASHBULB FIRES:

After two years of relentless touring in support of their debut album, Flashbulb Fires sought inspiration and solace deep in the mountains of Colorado to begin work on a new collection of songs. Taking in the scope of their surroundings, they were moved to create something bigger and more daring than their previous work. It wasn’t an effort to indulge, but rather, to capture. The result is GASCONADER, a vivid glowing statement.

The band’s first LP was known for being a bold and brooding narrative that took aim at the dark underbelly of suburban-American culture. Called “one of the best indie-rock albums of the year” by Des Moines City View and “emotional and engulfing” by Dallas Morning News, Glory (2009) remains an intimate reflection of spiritual conflict woven among heartbreaking brass and echoing vocal harmony. Yet, within the stirring and impassioned performances that encompass Flashbulb Fires' debut album, there are moments where something more grandiose is lurking just beneath the surface. These moments read like illusive musical promises that whisper of an impending harmonic bravado. In fact, the narrative that found its beginnings on Glory had only just taken root. GASCONADER is the culmination of those promises and every bit the triumphant kaleidoscopic pop that Flashbulb Fires hinted at on their first record.

GASCONADER is a distinct modern take on a seemingly nostalgic voice. It evokes moments of Motown and 80’s pop that are quickly twisted and decapitated into more sinister versions of the originals. The textures are hazy and swirling and at times the band delves into a vandal-graffiti inspired punk ethos full of charisma and dramatic flare. When the smoke clears, there is just enough space for singer Patrick McGuire’s intimate melodies and the distant harmony of a ghostly choir.

The album is not only large in breadth sonically, but also thematically as it skirts the boundaries of the “concept album” definition. GASCONADER takes a biting satirical look at a religious culture so prevalent in modern Middle America. The album’s bombastic narrator, a steadfast evangelical, boastfully proclaims his own righteousness and begs a lover to see the light before the impending rapture. McGuire’s lyrics and characters are informed by his own conflicted past, one in which he was shuttled perpetually between his Catholic father and Mormon mother. Now an atheist, the singer explores his lingering struggle to connect in a meaningful way with old friends and family along with the hypocrisy of the culture he grew up in.

GASCONADER's principal narrator, as well as the music itself, embodies the aptly named album, its personality and tone full of surly magnetism and fearless swagger. With the release of their latest record, Flashbulb Fires undoubtedly cements their unique voice as a modern American band.

Instrumentation

Michael James - Electric Guitar and Vocals
Chris Sturniolo - Drums and Vocals
Patrick McGuire - organ, Acoustic Guitar, Lead Vocal

Discography

Gasconader - Released May 15th, 2012
Glory - Released December 15th, 2009

Official Website

http://www.FlashbulbFires.com

Links

Audio

Lyrics

Video

Photo Gallery

  • Michael James

  • Patrick McGuire

  • Chris Sturniolo

  • Flashbulb Fires Lounge

    Download print quality (high-res) version (Right Click -> Save As)
  • Flashbulb Fires

  • Patrick McGuire Portrait

  • Chris Sturniolo Portrait

  • Michael James Portrait

Press

  • PRESS QUOTES [+ Show ]

    "Slightly alternative, slightly electronic, completely awesome." - 1146 Miles "...one of the best...

  • VOTED BEST INDIE POP BAND OF 2010 by Denver Westword

    Flashbulb Fires was voted best indie pop band of 2010 in a readers poll by Denver Westword magazine

Setlist

Standard Set (all original material - no particular order):

1. Cult Life
2. Dark Ghost (I've Got Arms)
3. The Whale
4. I Beat My Body Down
5. Serious Way
6. Marathon
7. Holy War, Bitter Prophets
8. Sleep Money Dawn
9. Rope and River
10. Ambulance
11. Revenge Song


Basic Requirements

PDF Rider

Flashbulb Fires Rider

Calendar

There are no upcoming dates at this time.