Since 2002 Canadian punk band The Flatliners have been making a name for themselves. It’s hard to imagine the same ska/punk band that put out Destroy to Create released an album like Inviting Light. If you couldn’t tell by the album names alone—it’s a departure. Inviting Light is by far the most mature sounding album the band has released, and despite the lack of a heavy bass and fast drums, the songs show significant growth within the band.
I’ve had a love affair with The Flatliners’ albums for years now. The thing about the band is they have all of these amazing tracks, but they always play the same set live. And so for me the love affair ends with their records and doesn’t transcend to their live shows. The thing about a new record, though, is that these Ontario boys have no choice but to change-up their setlist.
To the band’s credit: On the flip side you have bands that are amazing live, but their recorded songs are garbage. After four years since the last full length, Inviting Light gives me hope for The Flatliners, both off and onstage. The album manages to be mature without feeling overworked. “Mammals” is a strong opener with a catchy chorus and comeback vibes—you know, punks not dead. “Burn Out Again” has a sleek feel with clean vocals and some of the catchiest riffs on the whole album. “Nicotine Lips” has a welcomed instrumental break towards the end of the song that nicely chops up the chorus.
“Indoors” has a slower feel than the band’s usual songs, but the riffs and vocals make it feel like a new and improved version of a Flatliners track. With an angrier sound, “Infinite Wisdom” still features a classic growling Flatliners chorus. “Chameleon Skin” is lyrically a simple song, but musically really mellows out the entire album. The chorus is essentially just two lines, but the Flatliners manage to make it hauntingly beautiful.
Dress me up in your chameleon skin / I don’t wanna remember who I am
The Flatliners are traveling down the softer side of punk these days, and I’m really into it. Musically the band is still soaring as high as their previous tracks and in some of the newer songs I’d say even higher. Overall this is a solid record by a solid band. I do think the best is yet to come, but Inviting Light is definitely a step in the right direction for the band.
