Austin’s Flesh Lights are a trio of idiosyncratic punkers with a new album on the record store shelves, Free Yourself. While the album mixes power pop guitar chords, agile drum instrumentation, catchy choruses, and sometimes base lines resembling 80’s West Coast hardcore punk bands, the whole thing is more of a post-alternative recording played at the speed of 1970’s punk. Free Yourself features several inspired moments, including accelerating speed, two distinctive singers, and dark weird lyrics.

RIYL: The Only Ones, Hüsker Dü, Les Savy Fav, The Exploding Hearts, Spider Bags, and, Teenage Fanclub.

FCC WARNING: 6, 8, 12
Recommended Tracks: 1, 2, 4, 7, 8 (FCC), and 11

1. (3:05)* Just About Due – Energetic 80’s college radio style intro. Loud power pop.
2. (3:43) *Middle Age – Upbeat 21st century punker with an attitude.
3. (3:59) Mandarin – Semi-political track? Angry and sharp.
4. (2:21) *German Discs –Restless vocals and loud beats.
5. (3:56) I Wait – Another garish pop moment; this time, with a romantic twist.
6. (3:23) You Might Know – FCC (fucking). Vigorous 70’s inspired power pop tune.
7. (3:04) **Free Your Self – Solid punker! Existential and contagious.
8. (2:49) **We Go Off – FCC (shit, fucking). Another solid punker, loud and angry.
9. (2:51) Time Thief – Back to the 70’s inspired power pop. Nice guitars.
10. (3:40) No Longer – Upbeat 21st century power pop ballad. Decent guitar solo.
11. (3:23) *Teen Filth – Another respectable existential piece. Loud power pop.
12. (4:47) Big Break – FCC (fucked). Catchy rock n’ roll number. Just the way you want to end the album.