From the opening call of
Flash Flash Flash's "No Revolution," Boston's punk rock patriots
the Explosion make their statement quite clear. Lyrics like "We look to the past, and ask for nothing more" drive home the band's unapologetic point -- sure they wish it was 1977, but they know full well that it isn't. With that in mind, the band's debut LP still sees them tumble through 14 tracks of dirty Clash-styled punk rock in under a half hour -- a performance that would make their forefathers proud. It's simple music and far from mind-blowing lyrics that form the basis of
the Explosion's attack, but it's their high-energy attitude that carries their music to the next level. Tracks like "Terrorist" and "God Bless the S.O.S" are short speedy bursts of punk packed with catchy choruses and thick guitars, a recipe that the band often employs and generally finds success with. After their poorly recorded first EP,
Flash Flash Flash's to-the-point presentation makes it clear that all this band needed was a little polishing to make a great record. They certainly got it down this time around, and the result is one of the better punk albums to arise from a scene that has already lasted a few more decades than expected. ~ Peter J. D'Angelo