Flatwounds Release "Emulator" and Announce "Chain of Command" EP
Fresh from the capital of New York, Albany quartet Flatwounds has come to announce an upcoming EP “Chain of Command” which will be released next month. Their sound being a refreshing take on classic hard rock, grunge, and hardcore sounds has given them a distinct place in the scene. With consistently wild energy, their live performances have whipped fans into a frenzy every time. Coming up independently, it's a relief to see that their signing with Blue Grape Music hasn't dulled their edge. Their new single “Emulator” definitely proves that fact.
Pre-Save “Chain of Command” Here
“Emulator” opens with the sound of a cheering crowd that bleeds into a sermon and plays into the song's message really well. The push toward a so-called “righteous life” but lacking any true conviction. Its grungy vocals and thudding bassline take a lot of the focus. With guitar providing screeching shock value weaving together harsh chugs and thrilling chords. The drums have a satisfying solid tone to them, hitting each note with precision. sounds like something akin to The Offspring or Rage Against the Machine. That MTV-style tilt doesn't detract from how fresh Flatwounds’ sound is.
"'Emulator' is about not being who you actually are. You're living life without any real meaning. There's no substance. Instead, you're the type of dude who works a job he doesn't like, drives a car he doesn't like, and complains about everything being awful. It's because he's not doing anything he loves." Colin O'Hare explains.
That struggle between passion and stability has been a major point of discussion lately. If the world around us is collapsing, why not follow your passions? However, it's hard to follow those dreams when the world is, again, collapsing. This is a transition for the band, who have historically stuck to more introspective topics, but it's done extremely well. The chorus sticks with you, the theme is extremely relatable, the distorted guitar provides that underground grit, and the drums blast through hitting crisp notes.
Watch the music video for “Emulator” below:
Flatwounds is also following the current trend of music videos with religious imagery. It's mixed with live footage of a free show the band put on at Empire Underground, where fans are going absolutely crazy. It's exciting to see that kind of “dream come true” moment where you're playing in front of hundreds of people. The visuals have that Playstation era blue-green tinge that pulls at nostalgia. It's a fun video full of stage diving, moshing, and the band showing off their best moves. These kinds of videos are such a fun experience for fans as they feel like they're a part of the community, and to a different degree they're making a mark on history. Years from now people will be able to look back on this moment and be able to say “yeah, I was there” which is absolutely iconic. The show footage is jumping and shaking with frenetic energy. It gives much starker contrast to the greyscale shots of a preacher speaking to an empty room. The words he speaks ring hollow like the promises made by a system built to fail the many to benefit the few.
The new album is promising to be a stunning work both technically and lyrically. Keeping the iconic Flatwounds vibe of chaotic intensity and rhythms that stay in your head. Luckily, there isn't a long wait before “Chain of Command” makes its grand debut.