Flip 45 are bad. Really bad. Really, really bad. They’re quite possibly one of the worst bands I’ve ever had the misfortune of hearing and I could, if I wanted to, pen a really funny (yet harsh) review panning these kids for putting out such dross. But to be fair, that wouldn’t achieve much more than a few cheap laughs. Instead I’ll write a few words with the aim of giving constructive criticism so that these young lads can hopefully attempt to improve and develop as a band. I’m no expert, far from it, but these are my thoughts. Flip 45 originate from the south-east of England are really young – probably about 14 or 15. This is also their first release so it should be looked on as more of a learning curve rather than anything more sinister.
The ‘Be My Friend’ EP is bad in pretty much every way. I don’t take pleasure in saying what I see ((TM) Roy Walker), but Flip 45 really need to learn the basics. Playing in time is an absolute must for any band. yes, Blink 182 do often struggle with this concept, but it is fundamental that the drums, guitars, bass and vocals are all in synch. Flip 45 haven’t mastered this yet and that’s something I would urge them to sort out. Practice is the real key, going out and playing gigs and getting rehearsal time on a regular basis. The vocals are terrible – the chap can’t sing, the rhymes are forced and there’s no balance – either it’s too flat or too high, often in the same line of a song. The structures themselves also borrow heavily from ‘Cheshire Cat’-era Blink, with really borrowed and tired lyrical tales (titles such as ‘Girls Like Her’ and ‘can’t stand You’ give nothing away) dragging everything down. There’s a bad mix too – but that’s probably the least of their problems.
The upside is that these are super-young guys who are obviously enthusiastic and energetic and I hope they can turn this into a willingness to become a better band. Flip 45 have a lot to do to become even a competent band, but I’m quite sure if they put in a lot of hard work in the coming year then there will be some very quick, and hopefully positive, improvements.
www.flip45.tk
Paul