Balancing punk-laden vigor and a dreamy central hook, “Flags” is a memorable new single from No See Ums. The Brighton, UK-based act meld punk, garage, and alternative with a spirited ferociousness. Pulsing bass and clanging percussion complement vocals that yearn for one’s love and attention. “I am yours to own, I dream of you when I’m sitting on the throne,” they emotively admit, traversing seamlessly into the lushly compelling chorus — “when we touch, I feel alive.”
“You make me feel so complete,” the smitten vocals continue, impressing with their dynamic rock push. Frontman Phil Johnstone leads a project that’s intent on artful social commentary within melodic, invigorating rock productions, and “Flags” is certainly indicative of that stirring direction. “Flags” is a decisive success from No See Ums. Speaking further about the track, Johnstone explains:
“Many people notice that there’s a crisis in Britain, there’s this undercurrent of nationalism that’s returned. The protagonist in the song… it sounds like he’s talking about a woman in a very inappropriate way, and it’s only later do we find out it’s about the Union flag.”
—
This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
