FLASHCARDS play a hauntingly beautiful ode to a friend on their debut single ‘Leo’
Rare is it you find a track as equal parts mysterious as it is catchy, this Leeds based five-piece showcase a knack for the melancholy on their stellar first offering.
Photo: Isabella Rojas
Going forward, FLASHCARDS have set the bar high as their debut single certainly doesn’t fail to impress with captivating songwriting and outstanding performances. The track centres thematically around the titular character of Leo, who is presented as a somewhat elusive figure as lead vocalist Drew Swords longs to gain a better understanding of what makes him tick. It’s a sweet sentiment as he ultimately reveals the main motive is to check in on his presumed friend, asking “Leo, are you alright inside?” — a touching yet bittersweet final line.
A driving, rocksteady drum beat and reverb-laden guitar provide the perfect base for a supremely emotive vocal performance from Drew, which at points reminds me of The Smiths as it careens up and down over haunting piano chords that stab through the mix, adding immeasurable character to the track. All these elements merge to form what can loosely be defined as indie rock but with a uniquely mature inflexion (if genre categorisation is really all that necessary).
Needless to say, I’m incredibly hopeful for the future of this act, if upcoming releases maintain this level of quality they’ll prove themselves as one of the UK’s most exciting new acts. Give it a listen, and add it to your playlists because this is one to look out for.