Cardiff's Chain of Flowers return to Alter with their first new material since 2015's self-titled debut album. A double A sided single, 'Let Your Light In' and 'Flesh, Blood and Bone' are two tracks which see the band moving beyond the dense shoegaze sonics of their debut, bringing forward a more spacious and streamlined sound that emphasises the powerful urgency of their live performances.
Despite 'Let Your Light In' offering a more optimistic tone to what fans of their debut may be used to, the charismatic guitar hooks, hazy vocals and fist-to-the-horizon anthemic qualities of the group are no less present. On this new found optimism, vocalist Josh explains: "Relationships of all kinds keep this world moving. We live in times of profound darkness, though I somehow find myself lucky enough to be surrounded by people that pour some light and inspiration back in to my life and this is not to be taken for granted. This song is an ode to love and companionship around the world, a gratuitous nod to the better aspects of the human race. A thank you for being you."
'Flesh, Blood and Bone' on the other side appears to follow a darker and more pensive path at first with Josh singing at his most baritone and ominous. However when the chorus hits with its searing synthesiser melody, a switch is flipped. Musically it channels perfectly the bombastic new wave ambition of early Simple Minds, alongside the dramatic post-punk melancholy of the Chameleons. With this, Chain of Flowers are evidently making an effort to find a light within the darkness of the world and their own collective souls.
Recorded by Darren Lawson.
Mixed and mastered by Arthur Rizk at Solomon's Gate.
Artwork by Nicky Rat.
supported by 17 fans who also own “Let Your Light In / Flesh, Blood and Bone”
An album made in an atmosphere of dread and desperation. Even though the story had a happy ending, the pain recorded here is unrelenting and it is all the better for it. New Punk/Post-Wave
The Los Angeles power duo explore a world of "guitars, grunge, and gas station burritos" on their debut album, a riff-fueled road trip. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 11, 2021
Woozy, rollicking indie rock that's thick and humid, searching vocals set against pealing guitars. Also available on cassette. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 22, 2016
supported by 17 fans who also own “Let Your Light In / Flesh, Blood and Bone”
this album made me feel nostalgic for memories that never existed😭 the name of the album compliments the sound of the album very well. keep up the great work.
jonathanuseless