FLAUNT Sets the Stage for Their New EP, "The Antics of More Youthful Times
“The Antics of More Youthful Times” is being added right onto my Spotify account upon release January 6th. Here’s why: It makes the alternative music junkie in me satisfied in every aspect: instrumentals, lyricism, production, cohesion…Justin Jennings and Joseph Vitterito of FLAUNT have put together a mind-blowing EP full of creativity.
The production of “The Antics of More Youthful Times” is exceptional. There are so many elements of electronic, classic rock, and indie influences that all blend seamlessly. Take the opener, “Outbreak”, for example. It begins like an EDM track, then switches almost immediately to smooth indie rock. There’s a deep percussion build up, all of the methods experimented with in “Outbreak” really shows off what FLAUNT can do. “Real Life Is Not So Cool”, reminiscent of Owl City, carries synth similar to “Outbreak”. The song’s core synth and indie beats build off of each other as the song progresses, making for a smooth and blended track. A song about stressful times, the lyrics tell an all too relatable story of getting no sleep and working all day and night. Because honestly, our parents did not prepare us for the stressors of real life.
One of the singles, “Something Different”, is probably one of my favorite tracks. I love a good dance tune, and the Eastern/tropical inspired creation is just perfect combined with the lyrics. While a guitar hums in the background, the vocals calmly suggest to “Move into my vibe and see what we can be / something different”. “Endless Vision”, another single releasing December 5th, tells of a powerful wish to be set free of an endless nightmarish state, and begs to be saved by someone with hard hitting vocals.
Vocally, the EP surprised me. I didn’t expect for the vocals to be so calming and blend amazingly in with the rest of the record. However, the cover of Adele’s “Send My Love” left the classic rock fan in me breathless. While the electric guitar work throughout the EP is impressive, especially in this track, that rock n’ roll vocal expression is what got me. Then there’s “Into The Sky”, which has a gospel feel to it, with piano and harmonies, there’s a smooth rise to the last chorus, which pulls the powerful vocals altogether. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, “Genghis Khan” has a cappella beatboxing in me. I was floored. In my opinion, there’s no better closer, because the Eastern/tropical influences come back, bringing a sense of completion to the EP, seeing as “Outbreak” begins with the same kind of beats.
If I haven’t convinced you by now that you need to open up that YouTube channel link and find your new obsession, I’ll offer you this: FLAUNT takes talent and showcases it correctly. They’re a band that pushes the limits of their genre and tells a story. Each song never loses an alternative rock base, and with all of the different musical styles, it’s a proud accomplishment. There’s truly a song on the EP for every type of indie fan. For me, that’s all of them. While you’re waiting for new music to drop like me, the band has a previous audiovisual full length out by the name of RAVE NOIR. “The Antics of More Youthful Times” will be released on Soundcloud Christmas Day.