In the last decade, Flipturn has established themselves as one of the most innovative acts in US indie music. The five-member Florida band captivates and engages listeners on their second album, ‘Burnout Days’, which reflects their experiences navigating their mid-twenties.
It's remarkable how intimate the band's sound is, giving the impression that lead vocalist Dillon Basse is speaking directly to you, especially considering their rising profile. Last month, they made their national TV debut on the iconic Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and they have a significant show scheduled in London for November – promising times lie ahead for Flipturn.
Their visibility in the UK is increasing too, which is understandable given their musical style. Imagine a blend of The Backseat Lovers and Hippo Campus, with a hint of Midwest emo and touches of British indie like Two Door Cinema Club and even Catfish.
Their sound radiates a sunny vibe, befitting their Florida roots, yet their lyrics often deliver a surprisingly heavy impact. ‘Sunlight’, the last single released before the album, was penned by Basse about his mother's alcohol rehab experience, with its mellow introduction and fuzzy riffs cleverly concealing a deeply impactful theme.
The contrast between bright melodies and often poignant lyrics partly stems from Basse's background of listening to Celtic folk, a trend that recurs throughout the album, though not universally applicable.
Tracks such as ‘Moon Rocks’, featuring the lines “To good friends / dead ends,” and the lead single ‘Rodeo Clown’ evoke a genuine sense of discomfort, as if something darker lurks nearby, while ‘Right!’ stands out as particularly intense, especially towards the conclusion.
‘Window’ showcases a beautiful, almost folk-inspired sound, revealing Flipturn at their most vulnerable. This moment is succeeded by ‘Swim Between Trees’, an emotionally resonant four minutes that delves into the complexities of growth within a relationship at a quarter-life mark.
Although this isn’t an album filled with singalong choruses, fans are likely to belt them out when they kick off their US tour later this month. Some tracks may initially sound quite similar, but they maintain enough distinction to avoid becoming repetitive or dull.
There’s sufficient variety to mark this as an impressive second album, even if it feels like Flipturn has yet to fully reach their pinnacle. Based on this offering, however, they are certainly close.
8/10
Words: Adam England
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In the last ten years, Flipturn has established themselves as one of the most creative acts in the US indie scene. The five-member band from Florida captivates and fascinates.