ALBUM REVIEW: Endings = Beginnings – Flash Forward
Endings = Beginnings is the latest album from German alternative rock outfit FLASH FORWARD. For them this album focuses on the more vulnerable moments of being human when saying goodbye to various people in your life, all whilst being documented with musical styles ranging from anthemic rock to pop to hip-hop to dance; clearly their inspiration comes from a range of sources. And the result? An album that will be stuck in your head and will leave you feeling uplifted.
Admittedly things don’t start out great with the intro track Paradise featuring acapella vocals using a voice effect. We think this is meant to be a summary outlining the themes of the album, but it feels a little off putting. But all is forgiven when we get Young Blood, a track featuring the first of three (!) collaborations on Endings = Beginnings. This one sees the band joined by BETWEEN YOU AND ME for an electronic rock song that is reminiscent of HOLDING ABSENCE and YOU ME AT SIX. With an anthemic chorus and incredibly catchy lyrics to match, you’ll soon find yourself singing along unintentionally. Bloodshot Eyes doesn’t let things slow down as the record goes down a more angsty route with drum beats that take on a more industrial rock influence. It sounds a bit like if Empire To Ashes by SLEEPING WITH SIRENS and Wolves Of Winter by BIFFY CLYRO had a talented child together.
As mentioned, the record takes on a range of musical influences so you never know what might come next but either way you are excited to hear more. We have the interlude track Endings that goes down an electronic/funk route, Drowning Underwater featuring BREATHE ATLANTIS that goes down a metalcore route complete with rough vocals, and Out Of Love which sounds like what would happen if THE WEEKND made a rock version of Blinding Lights. Other highlights include Over You featuring AS DECEMBER FALLS that is similar to BRING ME THE HORIZON’s Die4u, Heartclash, an upbeat love song that has a nostalgic summertime feel, and Criminals , which is a pure rock anthem.
There’s not one moment where you don’t feel engaged or upbeat when listening to this album. Even the parts we weren’t as crazy about are easily forgiven and almost forgotten about. An enjoyable album that takes you through different emotions from love and happiness, to loneliness, sadness and anger, there’s something here for everyone regardless of what they’re going through. It’s a guarantee that you’ll want to dance get up and dance, perhaps have a little cry, and come out feeling so much better than before.
Rating: 8/10
Endings = Beginnings is out now via Uncle M Music.
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