How Naarm/Melbourne art rock outfit Floodlights continues after a sold-out EP (Backyard, 2019) and a critically acclaimed debut LP (From A View, number 1 on my year-end list for 2020)? With the experience of countless live shows in their back pocket, and the strong 7″ The More I Am b/w Overflowing Cup (2021) as further proof of competence, they confidently capture their further development in sophomore full-length Painting of My Time. Louis Parsons (vocals, guitar), Ashlee Kehoe (vocals, guitar), Joe Draffen (bass) and Archie Shannon (drums) unite the grandeur of stadium bands in the 80s and the dynamics of the current post-punk revival (both the minimal cover art* on a blue background and the sound are somewhat reminiscent of The Wild Swans’ 1982 single Revolutionary Spirit), but clearly have their own original and recognizable sound. The distinctive and charismatic vocals and melodic harmonica can glorify on a solid guitar rock bed, which is more richly orchestrated than before – trumpet, grand piano, violin and synths make their appearance. Sonically it’s still somewhat melancholic, but the album title and lyrics in multiple songs leave no room for misunderstanding (from On the Television, one of the standout tracks with infectious woo-hoo’s to sing along): “The time is now!”
Painting of My Time, recorded by Nao Anzai, is out now digitally and on vinyl LP via Virgin Music. *The cover image is taken from an original Martin George painting.
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