Flash Bang Band
Brighton, England, United Kingdom | INDIE
Music
Press
I love ending up on a support act’s press list because it gives me an excuse to wax lyrical over a new band rather than an old one. If you’re reading this, you know who Dananananaykroyd are and why they’re rad etc., but I doubt you’ll have heard of Brighton locals Flash Bang Band who made sure that this final Dananananaykroyd show wasn’t a cause for mourning. It’s always sad to see a band decide to quit, but hearing new talent on the same night is always a great encouragement.
We missed the first act because I thought I’d lost my wallet then found it in my pocket. Embarrassing but true, but we got there with enough time to catch all of Flash Bang Band’s set. Flash Bang Band make the sorta 90’s pop that makes you wish you were 13 again and playing Tony Hawks 2 on the N64 with your cap backwards and drinking milkshakes. It’s all about the funky basslines and the cliché lyrics that actually work and sound cool.
The only problem on the night was the crowd. As with a lot of support acts in venues like this there’s that weird invisible semi circle at the front of the stage that no one dares enter. It’s a strange phenomena.
But their set was ace and I think got to the static crowd in its own way. It wasn’t for lack of energy on stage either – the trio played as best and as energetic as they possibly could and looked like they had a lot of fun. I’d say keep your eyes peeled – if this lot go play near you, get smashed and have a dance. Or even better than that, go full on regression – drink panda pops, eat Smarties and jump about like a kid. - The 405
The best place to find all this in one place already it's easier to be honest: http://flashbangband.net/festfin.html - Artrocker, The 405, The Devil Has The Best Tuna, A New Band a Day, 22Tracks...
Discography
(TBC) 2012:
New 5 track EP
Digital / Physical. (Preview available on request)
May 2011:
Double A Side single on own Imitation Records
'Cupid' / aa: 'If You Cant Be Calm'
Available digitally everywhere via State51 Conspiracy including iTunes / Spotify etc.
Oct 20010:
Debut self-produced 6 track: 'Random Acts Of Kindness EP' Physical only via gigs / on request.
Photos
Bio
Hard hitter Rodney left South Africa to join on drums after frontman Andy sent him some demos online. Andy lived in SA too as a kid and the pair struck up an instant creative and connection and friendship. Bass player Rob hugged his way into the band the moment he saw them play live back when they were a 4 piece.
Their approach to being a band reflects a shared habit of tempting fate. They sing often defiant yet optimistic songs with a cynical sense of humour delivered with real live raw clout & energy. Live is where they take off... its the natural foundation to what they do and the most accessible method of finding an audience.
The sound is melodic, supported by a barrage of tightly woven rhythms seasoned with DIY found sounds, field recordings and nostalgic melodies. The band set out to make music as engaging to watch as to perform, and time and time again have proven this to be a winning asset.
Boulder dash aside, they're nice lads with really good songs... imagine a Pixies obsessed Wayne Coyne and Gruff Rhys writing TV theme tunes... that's the sort of thing...
2011 was a great year being taken in to record by Dave Lynch (Xcerts / Yaaks / Rams Pocket Radio), offered distribution by State51 Conspiracy (Moshi Moshi / Memphis Industries), featured on the esteemed 21tracks.com beside Lady Gaga, The Beastie Boys & The Computers, The 405 & a New Band A Day websites, hosting a sell-out show on a moving public bus, invited to perform on air for BBC Introducing and sharing stages with Dananananaykroyd, The Phoenix Foundation, Cloud Control, Barringtone, The Lovely Eggs and Tubelord to name a PHEW!
Links
