One piece Indie-Band “Cracking the Flags” (fronted by Jason Rose) is set to release their latest single “Last Chance Saloon” on 21.11.24.
Instantly you’re hit with a jangly “Marr-esque” riff that feels as though it is going to carry the majority of the song, yet it’s abruptly cut at the beginning of verse one as the bass and drums are left alone to support the vocals. This technique has been used countless times, often by quite heavy rock bands, so it’s interesting to hear a more melodic spin on it.
I think the chorus struggles to get going to be honest. As the guitar creeps it’s way back in, it feels as though the song needs a bit more of a lift, yet I don’t feel like there is anything in particular that helps it to step up a notch. Perhaps due to the vocals and guitar not working as well together, or maybe just the general mixing/production of the song, as I think the drums (especially the bass drum at certain isolated moments) lack any real presence.
“Last Chance Saloon” continues to flow at it’s own steady rate, with the main guitar’s pleasant riff possibly feeling repetitive at times without any other instrument that the focus is able to be shifted towards. With vocals such as Jason’s which are quite low and monotone, I think the instrumentation needs to be very tight, understood and thought through as to compliment the voice best. However, with the nature of this basically being a solo artist, for me I don’t feel as if there’s enough going on sonically to keep you intrigued for an almost 4 minute long song.
After a subtle yet effective shift from the bridge to the final chorus, I do think that to its credit the song begins to grow into itself towards the end. Then again, there’s an introduction of what sounds like Christmas Bells half-way through the final chorus that just does not work at all for me and makes little sense regarding its involvement. An intricate drum beat carries the song to it’s finale with a surprisingly satisfying closure to something which I think struggles to fully understand itself and lacks a clear sense of direction.
In some ways it feels harsh putting pen to paper here in the manner that I am, with this being an early release of an upcoming artist such as “Cracking the Flags”. But I can only say that I know I’m definitely not the target demographic for this music but I also struggle to recognise who really is.
I think for solo artists in general, it’s important that they understand their own role in the track comprehensively and how they intend to have the rest of a band fit in with them in the studio, as they wont have been able to practice with one prior to recording. “Last Chance Saloon” doesn’t sound like something which has ever been played live as a band before yet feels as though it is trying very hard to come across that way, without executing it to great effect.
However, I do think that “Last Chance Saloon” shows some levels of potential in all fairness, as well as a clear drive for music with some noticeable inspirations taken. Perhaps with the accompaniment of an entire band all providing their own level of input then there could be room for these songs to grow. But I think if “Cracking The Flags” wants to take this to the next level, then he needs to re-think how he wants to approach his music and consider fitting all the pieces of the puzzle in with more delicacy.
I aim not to discourage but to rather provide an open and honest outsiders perspective that maybe Jason needs to hear as I wish him the best with all his musical endeavours. Then again, when has one man’s opinion ever meant so much?
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