When it comes to punk rock, many bands consider their touring schedule as a badge of honour. The band that plays 250 dates in a year will always be more respected than the one that plays 249, and the one that plays 251... you get where I'm going with this. There are some bands, however, that have toured enough to set them for life in terms of punk rock kudos, and The Flatliners aren't just one of those bands, they're the band that inspired the bands who are like that. Coming together in 2002 with an average age of 14, the band hit the road almost immediately after they formed, making countless circuits of Canadian D.I.Y hardcore shows with only a single demo tape to their name. These shows and that demo, however, scored them a record deal with Stomp Records, who put out their debut album “Destroy To Create” in 2005.
The band had one final release on Stomp after it was reformed into Union Label Group, 2007's charmingly titled “Sleep Is For Bitches EP”, but soon afterwards they were snapped up by Fat Wreck Chords for the release of their second album, “The Great Awake”. However, the band wouldn't get out of the punk rock ghetto until 2010, with the release of their massively acclaimed third album “Cavalcade”, and ever since then, they've remained one of the most exciting and beloved punk acts in the world. However, the most exciting part of The Flatliners by a long shot, is the fact that 13 years into their career and the band are still playing with their original line up. Not to mention how they're all still in their mid-twenties with the best days of their career still ahead of them. There isn't a band alive that wouldn't kill to be in The Flatliners' position, and for that, they come highly recommended.
Being labelled as the best band ever by an established music blog is certainly an almighty feat. But with hardcore punk running through their veins and a rebellious attitude, The Flatliners are unlikely to allow their egos to be boosted by such a remark. Chris, Scott, John and Paul play a rather unique version of punk, one that could be seen to have roots in black metal but has the meaningful lyrics to accompany their sound. Some call it ska, other's say it's more hardcore, but it is indeed brilliant. The Flatliners played a recent set in Quebec City in quite an intimate venue, which is a necessity for the audience to feel the full effect of their music. They introduced themselves with the song Here Comes The Trouble, which gave vocalist Chris Cresswell a great opportunity to show everyone how talented he was at being a punk singer, with enough edge in his voice to appear threatening but also possessing great projection. The drums and guitars were as brilliant as ever, fast and hard-hitting. Throughout the set, everyone on stage seemed to be having a highly enjoyable time, especially during the song Carry The Banner, a song with a catchy chorus and did involve some post tune banter. The ending song 'Shithawks' was certainly a great way to end with an incredibly drum performance and well sung lyrics. The interlude even seemed to have an unusual reggae influence in it, quite the shock considering the type of music being played!
I was SO excited when my friends asked me to go with them to see A Wilhem Scream live. It was amazing. First of all, the guys up on stage had such an enthusiasm and energy it was sure to fill the entire place.
They were so awesome, and good with the crowd. Oh man were they amazing at keeping us entertained and engaged in the show. In between each song they would converse with the audience and ask us questions and even take song requests! I love their music too and I found myself on my feet for the entire show.
My feet were sore the next day. And, my throat was too. I left with no voice from screaming their songs at the top of my lungs. Even the songs I didn't know I was singing to the chorus by the end of them. And the band encouraged us to sing along; at several points giving us the microphone so we could be heard louder. It made me feel like an integral part of the show.
I absolutely enjoyed myself 100 percent that night. Would love to see these guys live again sometime. The only thing I would do differently is get closer seats! I would love to be in the mosh pit area.