Another band from the heady New Jersey scene, Flashlight Arcade include members of the now defunct hardcore band One4One. Sadly, this new band lacks any kind of bite or lustre and instead is a bit of a predictable and lifeless affair. ‘The Art Of Blacking Out is one of those records that you’d probably like if you’re mad keen on this post-hardcore sound, but even then they’re only a fringe band that fail to make too much of a lasting impact. The songs tend to blend into one another, with some lazy vocals and guitars that could have come from a variety of other bands.
While ‘Dead To The World’ and ‘Medicated’ are great songs with plenty of melody and presence, they’re very much in the minority. These two songs specifically stick out because there’s a confident structure and the choruses are reasonably catchy. But for every one half-decent song, there are two bad ones. ‘Homeroom Politics’ goes on way too long and lacks any kind of punch, while ‘So They Don’t Like Heros Around Here’ (sic) is just dull. It’s indicative of many of the songs here – there’s nothing fresh, invigorating or punchy to hook you in. Songs like these reveal a band that lacks clear ideas and their own identity. A bit disappointing.
www.flashlightarcade.net
On the rise records
paul